Could the Reds be a destination for one of the best international free agents?
The Cincinnati Reds do not have a great track record of signing international free agents from Asia. The Reds swung and missed a few years back after agreeing to a three-year deal with Shogo Akiyama, and while the organization has high hopes for two-way prospect Sheng-En Lin, many questions remain for the 19-year-old.
However, perhaps the Reds’ fortunes are about to change. Some loose rumors are connecting the Reds to Korean baseball star Hyeseong Kim. An infielder for the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO for the past several seasons, Kim was posted last month and he must make a decision on his MLB future by Friday afternoon.
While it’s always difficult to project how those who’ve played in the KBO will adjust hitting in big leagues, Kim’s glove has long been his carry tool. But if the Reds do indeed sign Kim this offseason, how would the rest of the team’s infield shake out?
Signing Hyeseong Kim could challenge Reds’ bullish stance on Elly De La Cruz
Kim can play multiple positions, and may in fact be best used as a utility infielder. However, if Cincinnati feels that Kim would take on an everyday role, then perhaps Terry Francona will look to realign the Reds infield heading into 2025.
President of baseball operations Nick Krall has maintained that Elly De La Cruz will be the Reds’ starting shortstop next season. While De La Cruz showed tremendous athleticism and the ability to make plays that few others can, he did lead the league in errors in last season. Given Noelvi Marte’s struggles and the impending return of Matt McLain, perhaps the Reds should consider shifting De La Cruz a few steps to his right.
At the moment, the Reds’ options at third base are rather grim. Marte hasn’t looked the same since getting busted for PEDs prior to last season, and last year’s free agent acquisition Jeimer Candelario is better suited for first base. Santiago Espinal is said to have an above-average glove, but was worth -4 defensive runs saved at third base last season.
If the Reds were fortunate enough to secure Kim’s services next season, moving De La Cruz to the hot corner would arguably give Cincinnati their best defensive alignment. An infield of De La Cruz (third base), McLain (shortstop), Kim, (second base), and Candelario and/ or Christian Encarnacion-Strand (first base) would give the Reds top-notch defense around the horn.
Cincinnati’s front office and coaching staff have remained rather bullish on De La Cruz’s ability to handle shortstop, but shifting him to third base shouldn’t be taken off the table if it puts the best four defenders on the infield dirt.