The San Diego Padres’ roster is already seeing some shakeups as the MLB offseason gets underway. On Monday, left-handed reliever Wandy Peralta exercised his $4.25 million player option to remain with the team for the 2025 season. However, Gold Glove infielder Ha-Seong Kim opted for free agency, declining his side of an $8 million mutual option and instead receiving a $2 million buyout.
Peralta Locks In with the Padres
Peralta, 33, signed a potential four-year, $16.5 million deal with San Diego last offseason. The contract included a $3.35 million salary for 2024 and player options worth $4.45 million each for 2026 and 2027. By picking up his 2025 option, the dependable southpaw ensures he’ll be a key part of the Padres’ bullpen plans moving forward.
In 46 relief appearances this season, Peralta posted a solid 3.99 ERA. His campaign was interrupted by a left adductor strain that sidelined him from July 9 to September 4. But when healthy, the veteran proved to be a reliable option for manager Bob Melvin.
Kim Bets on Himself
In contrast, Ha-Seong Kim is rolling the dice on free agency after an injury-shortened 2024. The 27-year-old had season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder on August 18. Prior to the injury, Kim was enjoying another strong year defensively and providing some pop at the plate.
The South Korean star hit .233 with 11 home runs and 22 stolen bases in the final season of a four-year, $28 million deal he originally signed with San Diego. By declining his half of the mutual option, Kim forgoes a guaranteed $8 million salary for 2025. But he’ll still collect a $2 million buyout and can now test his value on the open market.
Kim is an elite defensive infielder with untapped offensive potential. Even coming off surgery, he should draw significant interest from teams looking to upgrade their infield.
An MLB executive familiar with Kim’s situation
Padres’ Offseason Puzzle
These contract decisions are just the first steps in what promises to be a busy offseason for the Padres. President of baseball operations A.J. Preller and the front office have several other key players hitting free agency and will need to be creative to keep a talented roster intact while staying under the luxury tax threshold.
- With Kim likely departing, finding a new solution at second base becomes a top priority.
- The pitching staff could see significant turnover as several starters and relievers reach the end of their deals.
- Tough choices loom on whether to retain or replace other free agents like Jed Hansen and Carson Grove.
As the hot stove starts simmering, Padres fans will anxiously await Preller’s next moves. Retaining Peralta was a good start. But if San Diego wants to keep pace with the powerhouse Dodgers in the NL West, it will need to successfully rebuild around superstars Juan Soto, Kyle Landsdown, and Manny Machado. The small-market Friars face a daunting task in trying to end LA’s streak of division titles, but Preller has pulled off miracles before. With Kim gone and other key pieces in flux, what magic can the Padres conjure up this winter?
