Why Ha-Seong Kim Is the Ideal Replacement for Bo Bichette

[Sam Charles]

The Blue Jays might lose an opportunity if they continue to wait on Bo Bichette to make a decision. In all likelihood, both sides know each other’s valuations and are mulling the “what ifs”.

One “what if” for the Jays is exploring alternatives. Much has been made of moving Andrés Giménez to short and filling the vacancy at second or third by moving existing personnel around the infield, but what if the better move is to bring in Ha-Seong Kim?

The move would be similar to last year’s trade that brought Giménez to Toronto. Like Giménez, Kim, is a premium up‑the‑middle defender. He also brings above-average baserunning, is an adaptable infielder, and has above‑average plate discipline at a fraction of the cost of other elite shortstops.

This offseason market is notably thin at shortstop. After opting out of his 2026 player option with Atlanta, Kim re‑entered free agency as arguably the best glove‑first shortstop available. Bichette is the only other regular shortstop at or above Kim’s tier. However, the biggest difference between the two will be the cost, especially given Bichette’s offensive production. Kim’s selling point to interested teams is that he provides arguably the best shortstop defence on the market and at a manageable, shorter-term cost.

Kim has some hurdles to overcome, and injuries are one. He had shoulder surgery before last season that reduced his playing time with Tampa Bay, and then he was bothered by a bad back and eventually waived by the team. Atlanta picked him up in September, and he played another 24 games, batting .253 with three home runs, 12 RBIs, and an OPS of .684.

There have been rumblings in the past that Kim was on the Jays’ radar. He is represented by agent Scott Boras, who recently worked with the Jays to sign Dylan Cease's $210 million contract.

From 2021 to 2023 with San Diego, Kim posted strong defensive metrics across shortstop, second, and third. He won a Gold Glove in 2023 (utility). His overall Wins Above Replacement in 2022 and 2023 (5.0 and 5.4 by bWAR) was driven largely by defense and baserunning.

Kim is the kind of infielder who turns contact into outs. In 2025, the Jays’ up‑the‑middle defense improved with the addition of Giménez and Ernie Clement’s continued breakout. Adding Kim to the infield (with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first), and the Jays get an infield that erases mistakes and supports the rotation.

At the plate, Kim doesn’t have Bichette's numbers, but he does have a competent bat that comes with on‑base skills, above‑average contact, and situational awareness. Over his career, he has a .324 OBP and a 97 OPS+, quite close to the league average. If you discount his injury-shortened 2025, his last full season (2024 with San Diego) was impressive. He slashed .233/.330/.370 and delivered an above-average wRC+ with a strong walk rate and selective chase profile.

You might recognize those stats as something the Jays prided themselves on last season. The offence emphasized contact and plate discipline over power.

Statcast shows consistent discipline for Kim. His chase rate is typically near 21%, his whiff around 16%, and his walk rate in the 10% band. In 2025, returning from injury, his expected contact quality tracked near his career numbers, with modest power but solid zone contact. He isn’t going to hit many home runs, but he will get on base and knock in runners.

Kim’s bat is portable across positions. Whether he plays short, second or third, a league‑average bat is perfectly fine if the glove saves runs. On a roster with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and other middle‑order anchors (and potentially another premium bat like Kyle Tucker), Kim’s role would be to stabilize the run‑prevention side and keep the line moving at the plate.

He also adds value on the bases. He stole 38 bags in 2023 and 22 in 2024, with a Statcast sprint speed around league average to slightly above but with excellent decision making. That combination produced several 90‑foot advancements without reckless outs.

While Kim might be hoping for a longer-term contract, he is likely open to a one-year deal just over the $16 million player option that he declined from the Braves.

If the Jays can persuade Kim and Boras to turn their sights north, plenty of possibilities would remain for the Jays. Adding Kim at under $18 million per season would maintain payroll flexibility, perhaps allowing the signing of a player like Tucker or providing more money to upgrade the bullpen.

Kim just turned 30, and if the shoulder is sound, then he should still be in the prime years of his career. His arm strength in 2025 did fall according to Statcast, but that can be addressed by reps — as long as the shoulder has healed.

Even if his bat lands near league average and the arm grades slightly below where it was, Kim’s multi‑position utility and savvy baserunning provide a 2–3 WAR floor when healthy.

Toronto’s 2025 season demonstrated that strong defense can carry a rotation through thin margins. The transition to that defense-first philosophy started in the outfield with the addition of Daulton Varsho and has expanded into the infield with Giménez and Clement and even Alejandro Kirk behind the plate.

Kim has a reputation as a hard worker and adaptable teammate, illustrated by his seamless transition between infield positions in San Diego, his fitting in quickly with the Tampa Bay and Atlanta clubhouses last season, and his immediate contributions with the Braves. Those characteristics matter on a contending roster with evolving roles.

Another interesting benefit to signing Kim relates to the Jays’ international reach and focus. Kim is a respected figure in Korean baseball circles and a fan favorite from his San Diego tenure. Toronto has historically benefited from international stars (both on the field and in fan engagement). Adding Kim would strengthen the Jays’ global brand, particularly across Asia, which might be another consideration.

As the clock continues to tick with no decision from Bichette, maybe it’s time for the Jays to make a move and fill their infield vacancy. They already have Boras on speed dial. Is it time to make the call?

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[Spanky__99]

Tucker or Bichette's foot has to drop before they consider this type of move.