The San Diego Padres are dipping back into the international market, and this time they’re betting on the upside of KBO standout Sung-Mun Song. The club has officially inked the South Korean infielder to a four-year, $15 million deal, including a $1 million signing bonus split across the next two Januaries. It’s a move that adds depth, versatility, and intrigue to a Padres infield that could be undergoing some reshuffling.
While early reports had the deal pegged as a three-year pact-and even floated a slightly lower dollar figure-the finalized terms show the Padres are committing a bit more long-term. Song will earn $2.5 million in 2026, with his salary climbing each season.
He also holds a $4 million player option for 2029, giving him some control over his future, and there’s a $7 million mutual option sitting out there for 2030. That kind of structure suggests the Padres see real potential in Song’s transition to Major League Baseball-and they’re giving him the runway to prove it.
Song arrives with a reputation as a solid third baseman in the KBO, but what makes him especially valuable to San Diego is his positional flexibility. He’s capable of moving around the infield, which could open up several paths to playing time.
If Jake Cronenworth shifts over to first base full-time-a move that’s been floated in recent months-Song could slot in at second or third. There’s even a scenario where he competes for the first base job himself, depending on how the roster shakes out in spring training.
This is the kind of low-risk, high-upside signing that can quietly pay off big. Song’s bat, glove, and versatility give the Padres options, and options are exactly what you want heading into a long season. Whether he becomes a platoon piece, a utility infielder, or pushes for a starting role, Song’s presence deepens the roster and gives manager Mike Shildt more ways to mix and match his infield.
For a team looking to stay competitive in a tough NL West, every edge matters. And if Song can bring even a fraction of his KBO production stateside, the Padres might’ve just found themselves a valuable contributor-without breaking the bank.