The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly looking at Ha-Seong Kim as a safety net for their shortstop position, but the move carries a ton of risk. Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia noted that the team views Kim as insurance if Trea Turner’s defense fails to meet the standards set by president Dave Dombrowski. The front office needs a backup plan, yet signing a player who just posted the worst hitting numbers in the league seems like a poor choice.
A Dangerous Bet on Recent Form
Kim’s 2026 season was a disaster that should give any front office pause. According to The Good Phight, his batting average of .116 and on-base plus slugging of .356 ranked 416th out of 416 qualifiers in Major League Baseball.
The Phillies cannot afford to replace a struggling starter with someone who has not shown he can hit. Kim signed a one-year, $20 million deal with the Atlanta Braves last year but only played 51 games. A torn tendon in his finger, suffered after slipping on ice in South Korea, cut his season short. Now 31 years old, he is asking the team to bet on a return to form that has not happened since 2024.
Depth Without the Cost
The logic for the signing is clear, but the execution looks flawed. Since Alec Bohm and Edmundo Sosa are free agents, Salisbury observed that the Phillies currently lack a signed third baseman or utility infielder, meaning they will need a replacement if Turner leaves. Kim could cover both spots if the team lets Sosa walk, but the cost might be too high for a player with his recent track record. Prospect Aidan Miller is expected to play third base soon, but the team needs a fill-in for now.
During his initial four years with the San Diego Padres, Kim proved valuable by averaging 3.8 WAR per season. For comparison, Bryce Harper topped all Phillies position players in 2026 with 3.1 WAR. However, Kim has not been that player since 2024. He played just 48 games in 2025 after undergoing shoulder surgery near the end of the 2024 season. The Phillies would be betting on a 31-year-old to recover from two major injuries in two years.
Why the Risk Is Too High
The team has other options to consider before locking in a player who has struggled so badly recently. Ty France has already drawn interest from multiple teams this offseason, and a right-handed bat like that might offer more stability. The Phillies should look for a player who can actually hit, rather than hoping Kim regains his old form. According to reports, signing Kim means the Phillies wager he will serve as a viable utility option if Sosa departs for a larger role.
