Preller hails Sung-Mun Song as a versatile two-way talent poised to impact the game offensively and defensively, generating significant excitement for the Padres' future.
It was a bit of a slow offseason for the San Diego Padres, but they signed pitcher Michael King to a three-year deal and then Korean infielder Sung-Mun Song to a four-year deal in a matter of days.
And, Padres GM Preller seems excited about the Song signing, via Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune.
“He’s been a very exciting player for us to scout and eventually sign,” Preller said. “His progression in the KBO the last two seasons has been a very unique journey. We see him as a two-way player. He’s somebody that can impact the game on both sides of the ball, offensively and defensively. He’s been a very productive hitter in the KBO who can control the strike zone, makes really quality contact easily and can impact the ball. We know he’s very good as a third baseman on the defensive side and his ability to play second base is attractive as well, and it speaks to his versatility, which is important for any player on the championship team.”
Song added he hopes to play everyday but will fill in wherever is needed.
“I’m definitely expecting to fill in … when those … everyday star players are having off days. … I’m ready to play every day .. and just getting ready to play any roles given.”
The contract details for Song is a crafty move by the Padres. It is a four-year deal worth $15 million, but it begins with a $2.5 million salary and increases by half a million each year.
It also features a $1 million incentive if he wins the National League Rookie of the Year award, so it could be a nice payday for Song depending on how he performs.
Right now, it remains to be seen where he will slot in, but a trade involving Jake Cronenworth could open things up at second base or first base, and there are plenty of names the Padres have been linked to in the free agency market.
Nonetheless, Song is excited to come to San Diego, and he was a former KBO teammate of former Padre Ha-Seong Kim, and he admits they still talk to each quite often.
There is still a lot of time left in the offseason, so plenty of other moves could be on the way, but the signing of Song looks to be a meaningful one for San Diego.