The San Diego Padres’ offseason has taken a distinct turn from previous years, with the front office prioritizing salary shedding and allowing several talented players to depart through free agency.

The team, having already traded star Juan Soto, is now considering the possibility of parting ways with another key contributor from the 2023 squad.

As per information from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, there is substantial interest from multiple teams in Padres infielder Ha-Seong Kim. While discussions have been ongoing about the potential trade of Kim this offseason, no significant developments have occurred thus far.

“(The Padres) are consistently attracting substantial trade interest in second baseman Ha-Seong Kim, as per sources knowledgeable about the discussions. Kim, who will be eligible for free agency at the end of the season, was one of the Padres’ standout players in 2023, making the acquisition cost quite high,” reports Rosenthal.

Kim emerged as one of the standout performers for the Padres last year. He led the team’s position players in Baseball Reference’s Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and received recognition with some votes in the MVP race. His impressive season included a .260 batting average, 17 home runs, and 60 runs batted in, along with 38 stolen bases, showcasing his versatility in both offense and defense.

As the Padres aim to stay competitive in the challenging National League West next season, they may set a demanding asking price for Kim, potentially deterring other teams from meeting their requirements.

Kim’s consistent performance in the 2023 season played a crucial role in San Diego’s competitiveness. Additionally, he has gained popularity among fans on a global scale. Convincing fans of the rationale behind moving him could prove challenging, especially with an upcoming two-game series in South Korea.

Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller, known for his strategic moves, might consider a trade involving Kim. Given Kim’s impending free agency next offseason, such a move could bring valuable resources to San Diego.