Ha-Seong Kim – Tampa Bay Rays Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Ha-Seong Kim has made a name for himself as a standout infielder in Major League Baseball since coming over from the Korea Baseball Organization. Fans have noticed his defensive skills and improving offense, and he’s become a valuable asset for any MLB roster.

In February 2025, Kim agreed to a two-year, $29 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. The deal includes performance escalators that could bump the value up to $31 million. That’s a pretty big payday and shows just how much his stock has risen after proving himself on both sides of the ball.

Kim’s career path has been impressive, and his net worth now sits at about $30 million. The Rays are paying him an average annual salary of $14.5 million, which is a substantial investment in the South Korean international.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Ha-Seong Kim’s journey to becoming a Major League Baseball standout started in South Korea. His natural talent and work ethic helped him climb the ranks of Korean baseball and eventually reach MLB.

Family Background and Childhood

Kim was born on October 17, 1995, in Bucheon, South Korea. He grew up during a time when baseball was becoming more popular in Korea, especially after the country’s 2008 Olympic gold medal and strong runs in the World Baseball Classic.

He showed athletic promise early on. Unlike many MLB players who come from baseball families, Kim really carved out his own path. He attended Yushin High School in Incheon and quickly started to stand out as a baseball prospect.

His hand-eye coordination and athletic ability became obvious during his teenage years. These traits laid the groundwork for his professional career.

Development as a Baseball Player

Kim’s development took off during high school. He mainly played shortstop but also handled multiple infield positions with ease.

Scouts noticed his exceptional defensive skills, quick hands, and strong arm. As he started to show more power at the plate, he became a top young talent in Korean baseball.

By his late teens, Kim had become one of South Korea’s most promising prospects. Teams noticed his ability to hit for both average and power while playing top-notch defense.

He kept progressing quickly, thanks to his disciplined training and natural baseball instincts.

Kiwoom Heroes in the KBO

Kim debuted with the Kiwoom Heroes (formerly Nexen Heroes) in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) in 2014 when he was just 18. He didn’t waste time showing why he was so highly regarded, adapting quickly to pro pitching.

Over seven seasons with the Heroes, Kim became one of the KBO’s best players. His defensive prowess at shortstop earned him multiple Golden Glove awards.

Each year, Kim’s offense got better. By 2020, his last KBO season, he had become a complete player with power, speed, and stellar defense.

His performance with the Heroes set the stage for his move to Major League Baseball. Teams in the U.S. had been keeping tabs on him for years.

Ha-Seong Kim’s Professional Journey

Ha-Seong Kim’s baseball career stretches from his early days in Korea to becoming an established MLB player. His journey highlights skill development, cultural adjustment, and a growing impact at the sport’s highest level.

Transition to Major League Baseball

After seven strong seasons with the Kiwoom Heroes, Kim made the leap to Major League Baseball in 2021. In the KBO, he put up a .294 batting average and hit 133 home runs in 891 games.

The move wasn’t easy. Kim faced tougher competition, cultural differences, language barriers, and new playing styles. MLB pitchers throw harder and mix up their pitches more than what he saw in Korea.

Kim signed a four-year, $28 million contract with the San Diego Padres in December 2020. The deal included a mutual option for a fifth year, so the Padres clearly believed in his talent.

San Diego Padres and Opening Day Roster

Kim made the Padres’ Opening Day roster in 2021. His rookie year brought some growing pains, as expected. He split time between second base, shortstop, and third base, but soon established himself as a versatile defender.

His offense picked up in his second season. After hitting .202 with 8 home runs in 2021, Kim raised his average to .251 and hit 11 homers in 2022. That jump showed he was getting more comfortable with MLB pitching.

By 2023, Kim had become a big part of the Padres infield. He stood out for:

• Defensive versatility
• Improved plate discipline
• Reliable baserunning
• Strong clubhouse presence

Manager Bob Melvin leaned on Kim’s defense and his growing offensive skills. Kim really cemented his place as a key contributor.

2024 Season Overview

The 2024 season changed everything for Kim. The Tampa Bay Rays traded for him, surprising a lot of analysts. The Rays then signed him to a 2-year, $29 million contract, making him their highest-paid player.

Kim’s 2024 performance lived up to the hype. His defensive numbers ranked among the league’s best, and his batting average and on-base percentage kept improving. He became one of the most well-rounded middle infielders in baseball.

Kim earned $13 million in 2024, and he’s set to make $16 million in 2026 if he doesn’t opt out. By the end of his current contract, his career earnings could top $57 million.

Contract Details and Trades

Ha-Seong Kim has maneuvered through a complicated contract landscape since joining MLB, landing major deals with both the Padres and Rays. His contracts have included interesting structures, mutual options, and hefty financial stakes.

Initial MLB Contract and Salary

Kim signed a four-year contract with the San Diego Padres in December 2020, marking his jump from the KBO to the majors. The Padres put down serious money to bring him stateside.

While with the Padres, Kim earned about $7 million per season, making him a moderately priced but valuable utility player. The contract showed the Padres believed he could adapt to MLB competition, even with the adjustment period most international players face.

Kim’s play kept getting better during his time in San Diego. That made his initial contract look like a bargain as he grew into an above-average defender and started hitting more.

Mutual Option and Payroll Impact

After his Padres run, Kim signed a two-year, $29 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, which bumped up his annual salary. The deal pays him $13 million for 2025, making him the highest-paid player on the Rays.

The contract also includes a $16 million payment for 2026, but Kim can opt out after 2025. That mutual option gives him the flexibility to test free agency if he keeps trending upward.

The Rays, usually pretty tight with payroll, committed a big chunk of their budget to Kim. That says a lot about how much they value his skills and see him as a key part of their plans.

Trade Rumors and Scenarios

Even after signing with the Rays, Kim’s name keeps popping up in trade rumors. His defensive versatility, improving bat, and manageable contract make him attractive for contenders looking for infield help.

Teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, and Blue Jays have reportedly checked in, especially when injuries hit their infields. Kim’s ability to play multiple positions boosts his trade value.

The Rays are known for making bold moves. If they get an offer with top prospects or young MLB-ready talent, they might consider moving Kim. But they’d have to weigh losing his versatility and production against what they’d get back.

Any team trading for Kim would probably need to guarantee his 2026 option or work out an extension to make it worthwhile.

Net Worth and Financial Standing

Ha-Seong Kim has built up significant wealth from his baseball career. His salary, contract deals, and other ventures have all contributed to his financial status.

Career Earnings Breakdown

Kim’s net worth is about $30 million, thanks to his MLB career and earlier years in Korea. His earnings jumped when he signed with the Tampa Bay Rays for 2 years, $29 million, all guaranteed.

His salary climbed fast:

• Previously made $7 million per year
• Now earns $13 million for the 2025 season
• Scheduled for $16 million in 2026 (if he doesn’t opt out)

This contract put Kim at the top of the Rays’ payroll. His market value soared after posting an impressive 8.1 fWAR over two seasons.

Sponsorships and Endorsements

Kim has landed several endorsement deals, adding to his MLB income. As one of the most well-known South Korean players in the majors, he’s attracted sponsors from both American and Asian companies.

He’s worked with:

• Sporting equipment brands
• Korean food companies
• Tech firms with a presence in Asia

These deals usually mean promotional appearances, social media campaigns, and ads in multiple markets. His bilingual skills make him especially appealing to brands looking to connect North America and Asia.

Companies like his clean-cut image and strong work ethic. While the exact numbers aren’t public, industry insiders estimate his endorsements add several hundred thousand dollars a year to his earnings.

Comparisons with Peers

Compared to other MLB infielders with similar defensive and offensive skills, Kim’s salary puts him in the middle tier. His $14.5 million average annual salary reflects his versatility and growing offensive game.

Kim’s path is a bit different from most American-born players since he came to MLB at 25 after establishing himself in Korea. That delayed his big MLB paydays compared to guys drafted out of college or high school.

Still, Kim’s financial rise has been impressive:

• Started in MLB with a modest multi-year deal
• Proved his value with consistent play
• Landed a contract that puts him among the higher earners at his position

Yahoo Fantasy Baseball often lists Kim as a value pick, since he delivers more than what his salary might suggest compared to peers with similar stats.

Achievements and Awards

Ha-Seong Kim has put together an impressive resume in Major League Baseball, showing off both sharp defensive skills and steady offensive production. He’s played all over the infield, making himself a real asset wherever his team needs him.

Gold Glove Accolades

Kim really made a name for himself as a defender with the San Diego Padres. In 2022, he nearly snagged a Gold Glove at shortstop, landing as a finalist. His defensive numbers have stayed near the top of the league.

He covers a ton of ground, flashes quick hands, and fires strong throws—somehow, he makes tough plays look easy. Pitchers love having him behind them because he saves runs with his glove.

He hasn’t won the Gold Glove yet, but honestly, it feels like it’s just a matter of time.

Versatility as an Infielder

Kim’s defensive flexibility might be his best trait. He’s thrived as a utility player, moving smoothly between shortstop, second base, and third base. That gives managers more options while keeping the defense sharp.

At shortstop, he shows off his range and arm. When he slides over to second base, his quick hands turn double plays with ease. At third base, he reacts fast and throws hard across the diamond.

Thanks to all that versatility, Kim has piled up 15.3 career bWAR, which puts him second among Korean-born MLB players, just behind Shin-Soo Choo (34.6).

Key Performances and Highlights

Kim’s bat has gotten better every season. He hit a career high with the second-best RBI total in shortstop history for his team, proving he’s more than just a glove.

Over 540 MLB games, Kim has put up a slash line of .242/.326/.380 with 80 doubles, 8 triples, 47 home runs, and 200 RBI. That’s a pretty solid contribution for any lineup.

The Tampa Bay Rays saw his value and signed him to a 2-year, $29 million deal. It’s not hard to see why teams want a player who brings both reliable defense and a productive bat.

Impact, Influence, and Legacy

Ha-Seong Kim has become a major presence in Major League Baseball—not just for his fielding, but also for his impact on the game’s culture and his growing international profile.

Role in Team Dynamics and Leadership

Since he joined the Tampa Bay Rays on a two-year, $29 million contract, Kim has anchored the infield. His Gold Glove-level defense gives the whole team a boost.

He leads quietly, mostly by example. Kim’s strong work ethic and attention to detail have earned him respect in the clubhouse, even when language differences made things tricky at first.

When he faces guys like Max Scherzer, Kim stays calm and collected. Younger players notice that. He makes in-game adjustments and helps with defensive positioning, almost like a coach out on the field.

Relations with MLB Stars

Kim has built some interesting connections with other MLB stars. He and Mookie Betts have been spotted talking about infield positioning and double-play technique during games.

When he goes up against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kim competes hard against stars like Shohei Ohtani, but always with respect. You can see there’s real mutual admiration there.

Off the field, Kim joins charity events with other players and helps out with youth baseball programs. These efforts let him give back and build friendships throughout the league.

Growing Influence Internationally

Kim’s net worth sits around $30 million, and he’s used that success to help baseball grow in popularity back home in South Korea. When his games air, TV ratings shoot up—people seem glued to the screen.

Merchandise with his name flies off the shelves, and he’s become something of a national sports hero.

Kim’s achievements in MLB have opened doors for other Korean players. Scouts, who may have overlooked Korean leagues before, now pay a lot more attention.

Young players in Korea often say Kim inspires them. You can’t really blame them.

On social media, Kim does more than just post highlights. He connects American and Asian baseball fans by sharing bilingual content.

He’ll introduce Korean culture to MLB followers, and at the same time, he explains American baseball traditions to his fans back in Korea. That’s a pretty rare bridge to build.