Tigers can thank Willy Adames signing for latest free agency rumor

Another infielder came off the free agent market this weekend when shortstop Willy Adames signed a seven-year, $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. But believe it or not, that could actually be good news for the Detroit Tigers.

The Tigers need infield help, specifically at the corners, and potentially even at shortstop. However, so do a lot of other teams – one of them being the Giants. But considering they just signed Adames to the largest contract in franchise history, it feels like a safe bet that the Giants are done doing big game hunting on the infield market this offseason. That clears a path for the Tigers to go after some other available free agent infielders, likely at a more reasonable price.

One such free agent is former San Diego Padres infielder Ha-Seong Kim. Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press recently said on the "Days of Roar" podcast that the Tigers have shown interest in Kim, who would be an ideal fit in Detroit if he can stay healthy. Kim underwent shoulder surgery in late September that will cause him to miss some time at the beginning of the 2025 season, making his situation rather unique as far as projecting what kind of contract he'll land in free agency.

Tigers Rumors: Detroit linked to infielder Ha-Seong Kim in free agency

MLB Trade Rumors projected a one-year, $12 million contract for Kim in free agency, predicting that agent Scott Boras would prefer to have him re-enter the market next offseason after a healthier, more productive year to maximize his value.

The Tigers, who are coming off an ALDS appearance and expected to build upon their young, promising core in order to make deeper playoff runs in the future, might actually be more interested in a short-term deal like this, as it would fulfill their immediate needs without blocking a development path for their young, rising stars.

Kim has also been linked to the Toronto Blue Jays and his former team, the Padres, but the Giants signing Adames means they are all but certainly out of the running. If the Tigers want to go out and get Kim now, it looks like they'll have an easier pathway to do so. They just need to be wary of his shoulder injury and determine if a one-year deal makes sense depending on his timetable for return.

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