The MLB offseason is rolling along, and while the Winter Meetings are now in the rearview, the hot stove is far from cooling down. Free agent signings, trade chatter, and roster reshuffling continue to shape the league’s landscape heading into 2026. Let’s break down two notable moves that dropped Friday - one involving a rising international talent joining the Padres, and another featuring a veteran arm heading to Kansas City.
Padres Sign KBO Standout Sung-Mun Song
The San Diego Padres have dipped into the international market once again, this time landing Korean infielder Sung-Mun Song on a three-year deal reportedly worth around $13 million. Song, 29, was posted for MLB teams last month after a strong run in the KBO, and now he’s set to bring his game stateside.
If you haven’t followed Song’s career in Korea, here’s what you need to know: he’s a versatile infielder with a solid bat and a well-rounded skill set. Over nine seasons in the KBO, Song posted a career slash line of .283/.347/.431, but it’s what he’s done lately that really turned heads. In 2025, he elevated his game to another level, slashing .315/.387/.530 with 26 home runs and 25 stolen bases across 144 games for the Kiwoom Heroes.
That kind of production - power, speed, and on-base ability - doesn’t go unnoticed, especially when it comes from a player who’s shown he can handle multiple infield positions. Song has primarily manned third base, but he’s also logged innings at second and first, giving the Padres some much-needed flexibility on the dirt.
This signing fits San Diego’s recent trend of exploring international markets for cost-effective talent with upside. Song won’t be expected to carry the offense, but if he can translate even a portion of that KBO production to the big leagues, he could be a key contributor in the Padres’ lineup - and a sneaky-good addition to a team looking to retool on the fly.
Royals Trade for Veteran Lefty Matt Strahm
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Royals made a move to bolster their bullpen, acquiring left-handed reliever Matt Strahm from the Phillies in exchange for right-hander Jonathan Bowlan. The Royals announced the deal Friday, and it’s one that brings a proven veteran into a Kansas City bullpen that’s been searching for stability.
Strahm, now 34, has quietly put together a strong MLB career. Over 10 seasons, he’s made 395 appearances with a 126 ERA+ and a 3.56 FIP, but it’s his recent form that really stands out.
Across the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Strahm posted a combined 2.30 ERA with 149 strikeouts in 125 innings, earning an All-Star nod in 2024. He’s under contract for 2026 on a $4.5 million club option, making this a relatively low-risk acquisition for Kansas City.
For a Royals team that’s been rebuilding but looking to take the next step, adding a steady late-inning arm like Strahm makes a lot of sense. He brings experience, strikeout stuff, and the ability to get both lefties and righties out - a valuable asset in today’s bullpen landscape. Whether he slots in as a setup man or even sees some save opportunities, Strahm immediately becomes one of the most reliable arms in that bullpen.
On the flip side, the Phillies pick up Jonathan Bowlan, a 29-year-old right-hander who showed flashes in 2025. Bowlan pitched to a 3.86 ERA with a 2.71 K/BB ratio over 44 ⅓ innings, mostly in relief. His overall MLB numbers - a 97 ERA+ and 4.86 FIP across 37 games - suggest there’s still room for growth, but he’s a controllable arm who could benefit from a new environment.
Final Thoughts
These are the kinds of moves that don’t always make national headlines but can have real impact down the stretch. The Padres are betting on upside with Sung-Mun Song, hoping his KBO success can carry over to MLB. And the Royals are shoring up their bullpen with a proven lefty in Strahm, while giving the Phillies a shot at unlocking more from Bowlan.
As the offseason rolls on, keep an eye on these under-the-radar additions - they often end up playing bigger roles than expected when the games start to count.