In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the MLB world, the Tampa Bay Rays have reportedly made a major decision regarding infielder Ha-Seong Kim — just days after rumors surfaced that a $500 million mega-contract could reshape the free-agent market.
According to a report from MLB Insider Weekly, the Rays have backed out of trade talks involving the 28-year-old Korean star, who has been the subject of intense speculation since the start of the 2025 season. Sources indicate that the team was in “advanced discussions” with the San Diego Padres regarding a potential deal that would have sent Kim to Tampa Bay in exchange for a package of top prospects and immediate infield help.
But once whispers of an upcoming $500 million deal — reportedly being prepared by a major-market team for another star shortstop — began circulating around the league, Tampa’s front office slammed the brakes.
“The Rays are extremely value-conscious,” said one anonymous MLB executive. “Once it looked like the shortstop market was about to explode financially, they reassessed their strategy. That kind of money changes how you evaluate every move.”
While the reported $500 million offer isn’t for Kim directly, it would set a new benchmark that could influence his value — both in free agency and in trade negotiations. Kim, whose current deal expires after the 2025 season, is seen as one of the most underrated two-way players in the league, offering elite defense, solid power, and speed on the basepaths. With several big-name shortstops potentially hitting the market soon, teams are bracing for a major salary surge at the position.
Tampa Bay, long known for its disciplined approach to payroll and data-driven roster construction, appears unwilling to commit long-term money or major assets if the price of retaining Kim spikes in the offseason.
WHY KIM?
Kim has been electric early in 2025, slashing .291/.357/.481 through the first few weeks and anchoring the Padres’ infield with Gold Glove-caliber defense. His ability to play multiple positions — shortstop, second base, and even third — made him an ideal fit for Tampa’s flexible lineup, especially with Wander Franco still absent from the team under investigation and Brandon Lowe dealing with ongoing back issues.
“The fit was perfect,” said Rays beat writer Chris Halpern. “But the financial risk wasn’t. Tampa was never going to go toe-to-toe with the Yankees, Dodgers, or Mets if Kim hits the open market.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
Now that Tampa has reportedly walked away, attention shifts back to San Diego — who remain in a retooling phase after missing the postseason in 2024 and watching Juan Soto walk in free agency. League insiders believe the Padres are still open to moving Kim if the right offer comes along, but they’re in no rush.
For the Rays, this pivot could mean doubling down on internal options like Taylor Walls or pushing top prospect Carson Williams into the spotlight sooner than expected. It also signals a broader shift: even as the market heats up, the Rays may stick to their trademark frugality — a philosophy that has brought success, but continues to frustrate fans hungry for blockbuster moves.
THE $500 MILLION SHADOW
The mysterious $500 million offer that shook up the Kim negotiations is rumored to be linked to either Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (should he move back to the infield full-time) or Mets star Francisco Lindor, though both teams have remained silent on the matter. If such a deal comes to pass, it would easily surpass the record-setting contracts of players like Corey Seager and Trea Turner and could alter the trajectory of the position for years to come.
For now, Ha-Seong Kim remains in San Diego — but likely not for long. As one rival executive put it, “He’s too good and too valuable not to move. It’s just a matter of who’s willing to pay — and who’s not
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