The World Series is over and the Dodgers and Yankees, along with the rest of Major League Baseball, are now focused on in the offseason.

Last year’s Hot Stove discussions were largely shaped by two key players who found themselves in Los Angeles: Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. This year, a new group of high-profile free agents is expected to draw considerable interest from various teams.

MLB.com highlights 25 free agents expected to make a major impact this offseason.

When it comes to San Diego PadresHa-Seong Kim is ranked No. 17 and has decided to opt out of his $8 million mutual option for 2025 ($2 million buyout).

Here’s what Mark Feinsand of MLB.com wrote of the shortstop:

Kim missed the final six weeks of the season with a right shoulder injury that required surgery, likely ending his four years in San Diego. A 2023 Gold Glove winner, Kim is the second-best shortstop available this offseason, and he should have suitors as long as the shoulder issue has been resolved.

Over the past three years, Kim has posted a batting line of .250/.336/.385, giving him a wRC+ of 106, meaning he has been six percent better than the team’s average. the league offensively. During that span, he also managed 72 walks and had above-average defensive performances at shortstop, second base, and third base.

However, his situation is complicated by recent right labrum surgery, making his recovery timetable uncertain. There have been suggestions he could miss at least part of the start of the 2025 season.

Despite the injury, it is reasonable for him to decline his mutual option with a net worth of $6 million. Players returning from injuries can still land big contracts. For example, Michael Conforto landed a two-year, $36 million deal with the Giants after missing an entire season, while Rhys Hoskins got two years and $34 million from the Brewers after his own missed year. Both had the option to opt out after one season, but neither chose to do so.

So, Kim will head to free agency, where Feinsand doesn’t expect him to return to San Diego once all is said and done.