The San Diego Padres need to find a way to get over the hump after back-to-back 90-win seasons resulted in early playoff exits.
A huge managerial change happened following San Diego’s losing efforts in the National League Wild Card Series: Mike Shildt retired, prompting the Padres to hold a managerial search that has since concluded.
San Diego went with team executive and former Major League Baseball pitcher Craig Stammen to lead the team to the promise land, and who knows what will happen with a first-time manager.
The Padres have several key holes they need to address, and though pitching will be the top priority since Dylan Cease and Michael King are likely to depart in free agency, San Diego can afford to buy some upgrades around the diamond.
Lots of attention has gone towards Kyle Tucker, Kyle Schwarber, Munetaka Murakami, Tatsuya Imai and Kazuma Okamoto. Rightfully so, but the Padres could find a diamond in the rough that nobody is talking about.
Star Korean Baseball Organization infielder Sung-mun Song was posted to MLB free agency on Friday, and teams have through Dec. 21 to sign him or he will return to the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO in 2026.
“Song, 29, made his KBO debut as a teenager back in 2015 but took some time to fully blossom,” MLB.com’s Thomas Harrigan wrote Friday. “He played only 226 games for the Heroes from 2015-19 before missing all of ’20 and part of ’21 while fulfilling his military obligation. Song worked his way into an everyday role with the Heroes upon returning but had a sub-.700 OPS in 2022 and ’23.
“Song finally broke out in 2024, slashing .340/.409/.518 with 19 homers, 104 RBIs and 21 steals. He followed that up with a .315 average, 26 homers, 25 steals and a .917 OPS in 2025.”
Song displays infield versatility, playing third base primarily but has experience at first and second base as well. He could be a great replacement for infielder Luis Arraez if he leaves in free agency.
“Under MLB's posting agreement with the KBO League, the posting fee would be 20% of the first $25 million of a major league contract, including earned bonuses and options,” Associated Press explained, transcribed by ESPN. “The percentage drops to 17.5% of the next $25 million and 15% of any amount over $50 million. There would be a supplemental fee of 15% of any earned bonuses, salary escalators and exercised options.”
Song would be a much cheaper option than a lot of the upgrades on the market and his ability to play anywhere on the infield with a middle-of-the-order left-handed bat should be more than enough to interest general manager A.J. Preller.