Infielder Ha-Seong Kim, Tampa Bay Rays finalize $29 million, 2-year contract

Infielder Ha-Seong Kim, Tampa Bay Rays finalize $29 million, 2-year contract | iNFOnews.ca
FILE - San Diego Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (7) in the ninth inning of a baseball game, Aug. 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, file)

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Infielder Ha-Seong Kim and the Tampa Bay Rays finalized a $29 million, two-year contract on Monday.

Kim, who played his first four seasons in the majors with the San Diego Padres and won a Gold Glove in 2023, will be paid $13 million this year. He also could earn $2 million in performance bonuses — $10,000 per plate appearance starting at 326 through 525.

Kim has a $16 million player option for 2026.

The 29-year-old South Korean tore the labrum in his right shoulder on Aug. 18 and needed season-ending surgery. He hit .233 with 11 homers, 47 RBIs and 22 stolen bases in the final season of a $28 million, four-year contract.

Kim had a .242 average with 47 homers, 200 RBIs and 78 stolen bases in 540 major league games over four seasons with the Padres.

Left-hander Brandon Eisert was designated for assignment.

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