The San Diego Padres have dipped back into the Korean talent pool, agreeing to a three-year deal with versatile infielder Sung-Mun Song. Pending a physical, the 29-year-old left-handed hitter looks set to bring power, speed, and defensive flexibility to a Padres infield that’s already been one of the most closely watched storylines of the offseason.
Padres Land Sung-Mun Song on Three-Year Deal
According to a league source, the Padres and Song have agreed to a contract that will guarantee him roughly $15 million over three years. FanSided first reported the move.
The agreement is still pending a physical. All signs point to San Diego locking in another significant piece for its infield mix.
Because the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) posted Song, San Diego will also pay a posting fee equal to 20 percent of the contract’s total guarantee. That pushes the club’s overall financial commitment beyond the $15 million salary figure.
The Padres clearly value Song’s potential impact. They’re not shy about investing globally when they see upside.
Why the Padres Moved Aggressively
The Padres have never hesitated to search worldwide for talent, and Song fits their recent pattern. He brings offensive upside and positional flexibility that can stabilize the roster now while giving them options for future seasons.
San Diego’s front office knows the KBO pipeline well. Song played alongside ex-Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, and that connection adds comfort when projecting his transition to MLB.
Who Is Sung-Mun Song? Late Bloomer With Big Upside
Song arrives in North America as something of a late bloomer by pro standards. His recent production suggests his best baseball might still be ahead.
In 2024 with the Kiwoom Heroes, Song delivered a breakout campaign:
From Question Mark to Middle-of-the-Order Threat
What really jumps off the page is the trajectory of his offensive development. Over the past two seasons, Song has posted an OPS north of .900, a dramatic leap from the sub-.700 OPS he had from 2021 to 2023.
He’s now strung together multiple seasons that suggest real growth, not just a fluke. His profile is that of a modern, well-rounded hitter: a lefty bat with power to all fields, enough plate discipline to get on base, and the athleticism to swipe bags.
That 26-homer, 25-steal line says a lot about the kind of dual-threat production he brings. It’s the sort of thing that can really lengthen a lineup.
Defensive Versatility: How Song Fits into the Padres’ Infield
Song’s defensive résumé is a big part of his appeal. Some scouts see him as more of a high-end utility player than a locked-in everyday regular, but honestly, that label might undersell his value in today’s game.
He’s played every infield position except shortstop. Most of his time has come at third base, with plenty of experience at second and first too.
Expected Role in San Diego
With the Padres, Song will likely see most of his innings at second base and first base. He’ll also serve as an occasional backup to Manny Machado at third.
That kind of flexibility lets the manager and front office get creative with lineups, matchups, and off days. The presence of Jake Cronenworth adds another layer of intrigue.
Cronenworth remains entrenched at second base on paper, but he’s been a frequent trade candidate this offseason. Song’s arrival gives the Padres a bit of insurance and some leverage:
What This Signing Means for the Padres’ Future
The Padres have been reshaping their roster, all while trying to stay competitive in a brutal National League West. Signing Song feels like a classic blend of upside, versatility, and cost control.
They’re giving him a three-year, $15 million guarantee. He’s entering his prime, brings power and speed, and can play all over the field—honestly, that’s the sort of move that could pay off in ways you don’t always see in the box score.
Song doesn’t arrive with the same hype as some bigger names. Some scouts see him more as a premium utility guy than a true everyday star.
But let’s be real: in today’s game, that role matters. On a team that’s always juggling injuries, weird matchups, and a tight budget, having someone like Song could be pivotal.
Here is the source article for this story: Padres agree to deal with Korean infielder Sung-Mun Song: Source
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