Starting shortstop Ha-Seong Kim will not be part of the San Diego Padres‘ postseason run, announcing Saturday he would undergo season-ending surgery to repair a tear in the labrum in his right shoulder.
Kim, who turns 29 on Oct. 17, is eligible for free agency after this season and might have played his last game in a San Diego uniform. The four-year veteran injured his shoulder on Aug. 18 while diving back to first base against the Colorado Rockies.
“I really tried everything to come back and help the team,” Kim said through interpreter David Lee. “But my body just wouldn’t listen to my mind. So I think, as of now, my season is over. It’s really frustrating and disappointing, because we have a legitimate chance in the postseason, and I could have been part of it.”
The Padres, who clinched home-field advantage for their National League wild-card series with a win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, moved Xander Bogaerts back to his natural position at shortstop and Jake Cronenworth from first base to second base after Kim’s injury.
As of earlier this week, there was hope Kim could return this season. He took part in a rehab game at the Padres’ spring training complex in Peoria, Arizona, missing the team’s playoff clinch party at Dodger Stadium earlier this week.
“Why I went to Arizona in the first place was because I thought I could maybe come back,” Kim said. “I played in a rehab game. But the pain came back, so after many conversations, we decided to find out what the next step is and that’s how we came to decide on surgery.”
Over four seasons with the Padres after signing out of South Korea in 2021, Kim hit .242 with 47 home runs, 78 stolen bases and 200 RBIs in 540 games. Last season, he won the NL utility Gold Glove Award.
As for when he expected to return to the field, Kim said he was focused only on recovering and being ready for the 2025 season.
He also expressed his fondness for the city of San Diego, the team and the fans.
“Obviously, San Diego’s a huge part of me, because this is my fourth season with them,” Kim said. “Along the four years, we fought to get the World Series trophy every year, made great memories. The team almost feels like family to me now.
“I think we have a legitimate chance to win the whole thing this year. Although I won’t be with the team on the field, I will be supporting them with all my heart throughout this ride.”