The Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO have made second baseman Hyeseong Kim available for signing by any MLB team after posting the 25-year-old on Wednesday.
Kim is the first player from South Korea and Japan to be posted this offseason. Japanese pitching prospect Roki Sasaki is expected to be posted sometime this winter.
Kim recently traveled to Los Angeles to begin training, showing his commitment to joining an MLB team.
If Kim signs with an MLB team, he would follow in the footsteps of other Heroes players like Kang Jung-ho, Park Byung-ho, Kim Ha-seong, and Lee Jung-hoo.
How does the posting process work?
Starting at 8 a.m. ET on Thursday, every MLB team will have the opportunity to negotiate a deal with Kim. The negotiating period will last for 30 days, ending at 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 3, 2025.
The Heroes will receive a fee based on the guaranteed amount in Kim’s contract if he signs with an MLB team before the end of the negotiating period.
According to Jee-ho Yoo of Yonhap News, KBO teams receive a fee based on the total value of Kim’s contract, with percentages varying depending on the amount.
If Kim does not sign with an MLB team, he will return to the Heroes and cannot be posted again until after Nov. 1, 2025.
How good is Kim?
Kim had an outstanding season with the Heroes, hitting 11 home runs, driving in 75 runs, stealing 30 bases, and maintaining a .326 batting average. He has consistently performed well over his career, with a .304 batting average and 386 RBI in 953 games.
Defensively, Kim is a three-time KBO Fielding Award winner, showcasing his skills at shortstop and second base.
What MLB teams are interested?
The Seattle Mariners are reportedly interested in signing Kim, with other potential suitors being the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants. The Los Angeles Dodgers have also shown interest in Kim, according to reports.