The St. Louis Cardinals were once a consistent contender for the World Series, winning titles in 2006 and 2011, while dominating the National League Central for many seasons. Since then, they have remained a competitive team, but have struggled to reach the ultimate goal, and in recent years, their performance has declined. If the Cardinals aim to reclaim the top spot in the National League Central, they must act quickly—starting with signing Ha-Seong Kim.
The Need for a Second Base Upgrade
The Cardinals have several areas that need improvement, but addressing the second base position first would be a strong step forward, especially to complement Masyn Winn after his impressive debut. Nolan Gorman was the primary second baseman for most of the 2024 season, but his production was modest, contributing just 0.3 Wins Above Replacement. While Gorman had a solid 2023 season, his three-year career has lacked consistency and any signs of becoming an All-Star.
Ha-Seong Kim has accumulated 15.3 Wins Above Replacement over four seasons with the San Diego Padres and has experience with postseason success that the current Cardinals team lacks. Kim also offers versatility, capable of playing multiple infield positions, and is known for his strong defensive abilities.
Ha-Seong Kim’s Value
However, the Cardinals’ front office will need to open their wallet to sign Kim, as other powerhouse teams like the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves are also interested in the versatile infielder. The Cardinals’ payroll for the 2025 season is currently $140.1 million, with much of that money tied up in aging players at the tail end of their careers.
Signing Kim, a younger talent with only four years in the league, would be a strategic move to help build a stronger, more dynamic team alongside rising stars like Masyn Winn, Alex Burleson, and Jordan Walker. The top six players in the Cardinals’ payroll are all over 32 years old, and with the team not achieving the success they desire, it may be time for a youth infusion.
The Cardinals need to invest in their future as they did when Albert Pujols was on the roster. With a strong mix of young talent and experienced veterans, but not enough to contend for championships, the team should prioritize signing Ha-Seong Kim as the first step toward building a more complete, competitive roster.
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