Ha-Seong Kim -- Prospect Evaluation

Kim Ha-seong, a shortstop for the Kiwoom Heroes in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO), announced plans to be posted to Major League Baseball and pursue a big league contract. This scouting report evaluates him using the 20-80 grading scale applied to MLB-level performance standards, rather than relative to KBO competition. The evaluation compares Ha-seong to St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong in overall player profile and to Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. in swing mechanics. Ha-seong is characterized as the best all-around shortstop in the KBO and among the league's superior two-way players. He demonstrates quick first-step defensive ability and is noted as a complete offensive and defensive contributor. The report was updated in November 2020 following additional in-game evaluation and observation.

Ha-Seong Kim is a South Korean shortstop born October 17, 1995, standing 5'9" and weighing 168 pounds. He made his MLB debut on April 1, 2021, with the San Diego Padres, where he was ranked as the organization's #5 prospect in 2021 and #78 overall prospect by Baseball America. Through his MLB career, Kim has accumulated 1,896 at-bats with a .242 batting average, .324 on-base percentage, .377 slugging percentage, and 52 home runs. Kim's career has been marked by significant injury issues. While with the Padres, he was placed on the 10-day injured list in August 2024 for right shoulder inflammation. After signing with the Tampa Bay Rays as a free agent, Kim struggled with recurring shoulder problems, spending time on both the 10-day and 60-day injured lists in 2025 following right shoulder surgery, with rehabilitation assignments to the Durham Bulls. Additional injuries included a 10-day stint in July 2025 and another placement in August 2025 for low back inflammation. Kim was subsequently claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves and later signed with them as a free agent, indicating continued movement between organizations.