San diego: South Korean league All-Star Song Sung-mun is reportedly on his way to join the San Diego Padres, bringing potential versatility to an infield that still has some question marks. Reports from the United States indicate that Song has agreed to a contract with the Padres, with the deal set to be finalized pending a physical. The Kiwoom Heroes star was posted for all 30 Major League Baseball (MLB) clubs last month, with his 30-day negotiating window closing at 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Song has been a top offensive player in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) over the past two seasons. At age 28, he had a breakout campaign last year with a .340/.409/.518 line, setting career highs with 19 home runs, 104 RBIs, and 21 steals. In the current year, Song recorded a .315/.387/.530 line, 26 home runs, 90 RBIs, and 25 steals, earning his first Golden Glove award at third base.
Song's defensive capabilities have also seen significant improvement. He received his first KBO Fielding Award at third base in 2025 and is also adept at playing second base, with some experience at first base, although not in 2025. The Padres have a vacancy at first base following Luis Arraez's move to free agency. Song last played first base in 2024, appearing in 32 games.
The Padres have some infield flexibility, as Jake Cronenworth can transition from second base to first. He played first base in 106 games as recently as 2023. With Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts as the regular third baseman and shortstop, respectively, Song could provide relief for Machado or allow Cronenworth to cover shortstop for Bogaerts, with Song taking over at second.
There are trade rumors involving Cronenworth this offseason, suggesting that Song could potentially replace him at second base if a trade occurs. Notably, all three South Korean players who concluded the 2025 season on MLB rosters were Song's teammates with the Heroes: Kim Ha-seong of the Atlanta Braves, Lee Jung-hoo of the San Francisco Giants, and Kim Hye-seong of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Once the deal with the Padres is finalized, Song will compete in the same National League West division as Lee and Kim Hye-seong. In the 2026 season, the Padres are scheduled to play the Giants and the Dodgers 13 times each and will face the Braves seven times.