The Padres are no strangers to thinking creatively when it comes to roster construction, and once again, A.J. Preller is exploring international talent as a potential boost for 2026. This time, it’s Sung-Mun Song, a 29-year-old infielder from Korea, who has both the Padres and the Angels reportedly in pursuit as his signing window closes on December 21.
Song has turned heads with a late-career surge in the KBO, putting together back-to-back standout seasons. Over the past two years, he posted OPS marks of .927 and .917, slugged 45 home runs, and swiped 46 bases. That kind of production jumps off the page, especially for a player who, before 2024, had flown mostly under the radar.
Here’s the thing: Song’s breakout didn’t happen overnight, but it did happen late. He debuted in 2015 with the Kiwoom Heroes but didn’t become a regular until 2019.
He also missed significant time due to military service-sitting out the 2020 season entirely and part of 2021. Up until 2024, he had never hit more than 13 home runs in a season and had just five career steals.
But with more consistent playing time over the past two years, he’s found his rhythm at the plate and developed into a legitimate offensive threat.
Scouts view Song as a versatile utility piece at the MLB level. He’s capable of playing first, second, and third base, with particularly strong defensive tools on the right side of the infield. Whether he can carve out an everyday role will depend on how quickly he adjusts to the level of competition in the majors-a jump that’s proven challenging for even the most talented KBO imports.
There’s been some comparison to Hyeseong Kim, who signed with the Dodgers last offseason on a three-year, $12.5 million deal. Song’s recent production might push his price tag a bit higher, but that contract gives us a ballpark idea of what it could take to bring him stateside.
In 2025, Song hit .315 with 26 home runs, 90 RBI, and 25 stolen bases across 144 games. That’s a well-rounded offensive profile-power, speed, and the ability to hit for average. If he can bring even a portion of that to the majors, he could be a valuable addition off the bench or in a platoon role.
For the Padres, who are looking to trim payroll while staying competitive, Song presents an intriguing low-cost, high-upside option. He bats left-handed-something San Diego’s lineup could use more of-and could be slotted in at first or second base, or even serve as insurance at third behind Manny Machado. The flexibility he offers is a big plus for a team trying to maximize value in every roster spot.
The Padres have already had success with KBO talent-Ha-Seong Kim is a perfect example. After proving his worth in San Diego, Kim landed a $20 million deal with the Braves this winter. That kind of trajectory shows what’s possible when the right player makes the leap and adjusts well.
Sung-Mun Song is expected to sign within days, and the Padres appear to be firmly in the mix. If they land him, it won’t be a blockbuster move-but it could be a savvy one. And for a team trying to stay competitive without breaking the bank, that’s exactly the kind of addition that can pay off in a big way.
Keep an eye on this one. The Padres are filling out the edges of the roster, and Song might just be the next piece.