Korean infielder is a Padre
South Korean infielder Sung-Mun Song has agreed to a three-year, $13 million contract with the San Diego Padres. Robert Murray of FanSided reported the signing early Friday morning. Padres fans now have two early Christmas/Holiday gifts from president of baseball operations A.J. Preller.
Following the news of the signing of Michael King to a three-year deal on Thursday night, the Padres now have a new Korean infielder to work into the lineup. Song, 29, was the third baseman for the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO and has broken out the past two seasons. His .340/.408/.518 slash line in 2024 was his breakout performance but he followed it with a .315/.387/.530 line and a .917 OPS in 2025. He added 26 homers, 25 steals, and 37 doubles in 144 games.
His 30-day posting window for MLB teams began on Nov. 22 and was set to close on Dec. 21. There is no obvious spot in the Padres infield for Song to be a starter as his primary position is third base. Filling in and coming off the bench will most likely be his role to begin with.
With his role for the Heroes as their starting third baseman, this gives Manny Machado a legitimate backup for his rest and DH days as well as giving Jake Cronenworth days off. Song played significant time at both first and second base in South Korea. If he excels and pushes for regular time, first base would be an open spot on the roster for him to fit into.
The lefty-hitting infielder, 6-foot and 194 pounds, is not a backup at shortstop and could profile as a bench player rather than a starter but his signing adds depth and potential to a roster that is definitely lacking bench players and positional depth.
Category: General Sports
