As anticipated, shortstop Ha-Seong Kim has officially declined his portion of an $8 million mutual option, making him a free agent ready to explore new opportunities. Meanwhile, reliever Wandy Peralta has opted into the 2025 season with the Padres, securing his place on the roster for another year.
Kim’s exit into free agency had been regarded as inevitable, particularly following a torn labrum injury sustained in August, which significantly hindered his prospects for landing a lucrative long-term contract.
Despite these setbacks, Kim made a strategic decision late in the season to hire super agent Scott Boras, well-known for advising his clients to explore opt-out clauses in pursuit of improved financial deals. As per the stipulations of his original four-year, $28 million contract, the Padres now owe Kim a $2 million buyout, adding another layer to the negotiations ahead.
The 29-year-old Kim, who was honored with a Gold Glove last year, concluded his walk year with noteworthy stats, including 11 homers, 22 stolen bases, and a .233/.330/.370 batting average. This performance was a dip from his previous 2023 season, where he boasted 17 homers, 38 steals, and a .260/.351/.398 line, illustrating a decline in productivity before the unfortunate shoulder injury limited his participation.
Following surgery on October 11, the Padres will be closely observing Kim’s rehabilitation process throughout the free agency period. Should Kim struggle to secure the contract he desires and his recovery extends into the commencement of the 2025 season, there is potential for the two sides to negotiate a short-term deal.
“We’ll keep gathering information on the injury standpoint, where that leaves him and us,” Padres General Manager A.J. Preller stated in a reflection on the season. “Ha-Seong’s a very talented player. Not having him at the end of the year was definitely a blow. He plays the game with immense energy and intelligence, showcasing his defensive skills. He can fill various positions, draw walks, hit home runs, and steal bases. That’s how we evaluate his talent and value to the team.”
“From our standpoint, we’d love to bring him back. We just have to kind of get into it and see where that leaves us,” Preller added, underscoring the team’s commitment to Kim.
On the flip side, Peralta’s ERA saw an increase from 2.83 to 3.99 during his first season with the Padres, which all but guaranteed his decision to opt into a $4.25 million salary for 2025, marking a raise from this year’s $3.25 million earnings.
The 33-year-old Peralta also has similar player options available after each of the next two seasons, giving him further bargaining power as he moves forward in his career.
**Interview with Sports Analyst Emma Thompson on Recent Padres Contract Decisions**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Emma! Thanks for joining us today to discuss the recent contract decisions involving the San Diego Padres. Let’s start with Ha-Seong Kim. What are the implications of his opting out into free agency?
**Emma Thompson:** Thank you for having me! Ha-Seong Kim’s decision to decline the mutual option is quite significant. It allows him to seek potentially more lucrative deals elsewhere after an injury-plagued season. His hiring of super agent Scott Boras suggests he’s looking for an aggressive approach in free agency. However, the torn labrum he suffered in August could be a deterrent for some teams, impacting his overall market value.
**Interviewer:** That’s interesting. Given his history and performance, do you think he can secure a good contract despite the injury?
**Emma Thompson:** It’s certainly possible, especially since he won a Gold Glove last season and has demonstrated considerable defensive skill at shortstop. Teams are always looking for strong defensive players, and if he can convince scouts that he’s fully recovered from his injury, he could still attract competitive offers. However, the injury will definitely be a point of concern in negotiations.
**Interviewer:** And on the flip side, Wandy Peralta has chosen to stay with the Padres. What does his decision mean for the team moving forward?
**Emma Thompson:** Wandy Peralta’s decision to opt into the 2025 season is a win for the Padres. He provides solid depth in their bullpen and has been a reliable arm for the team. His stability will be crucial, especially as the Padres navigate potential changes in their roster in the coming season. It shows a commitment to building a competitive team, with Peralta being a key part of that strategy.
**Interviewer:** It seems like there’s a lot at play for both players. What do you think the Padres’ overall strategy should be moving forward, especially with these changes?
**Emma Thompson:** The Padres need to think strategically about both current and incoming players. They have to assess their financial health, especially in light of the buyout to Kim. Focusing on building a balanced roster that can support their stars while also being agile in the free-agent market is key. They should look for opportunities to strengthen their pitching staff and perhaps even explore options for middle infield depth, especially if Kim leaves.
**Interviewer:** Great insights, Emma! It’ll be interesting to see how these developments unfold for the Padres in the offseason. Thanks for your time!
**Emma Thompson:** My pleasure! Looking forward to seeing how it all plays out.
