The Seattle Mariners are reportedly interested in the Korean second baseman as a free agent.

Since trading Robinson Cano after the 2018 season, second base has been a black hole for the Seattle Mariners. Each year since Cano’s departure, the M’s have used a different second baseman on Opening Day without finding a long-term solution.

Shad Long Jr., Dylan Moore, Jose Caballero, Adam Frazier, Kolten Wong and Jorge Polanco have all tried and failed to hold Seattle’s position, and the M’s will once again look to fill the void this offseason.

According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, they may be looking to the international ranks for an answer this time.

The Mariners, known to be in the 2B market, are among the teams that have taken a close look at infielder Hye Sung Kim, who the Kiwoom Heroes will field for the team this offseason.

Kim, a left-handed slugger, had an .841 OPS and 30 SB in the KBO this season at age 25.

@MLBNetwork @SeattleSports

Recently, MLBTradeRumors published a short profile of Kim:

At least one intriguing option stands out on the market: Kiwoom Heroes infielder Hyesung Kim (no relation to the Padres infielder). The KBO star hired CAA to represent him in June of this year and is expected to work for major league clubs. He’s not a power hitter, but in South Korea he has a career slash line of .304/.364/.403 and is .331/.390/.452 over the last two seasons. Kim is praised for his defensive acumen at second base, as well as his speed (55 of 64 stolen base attempts since 2023) and superior bat-ball skills (11.7% strikeout rate). Left-hander Kim could get an eight-figure guarantee for several years this offseason, especially since he doesn’t turn 26 until January.

The age is right and the speed is right as Kim could help RS In 2025, the problem at bases will become even more serious. Moreover, the low strikeout rate is something that will be attractive to a club that leads baseball in strikeouts for most of the year. If Kim can develop into a suitable leadoff hitter, he could force Julio Rodriguez to bat at second or third, giving him more opportunities to generate more runs.

MLBTradeRumors also recently predicted that Kim would receive a three-year contract worth $24 million. He was listed as their No. 26 free agent this offseason.

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