San Diego Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim has opted to decline his mutual option for 2025, choosing to enter free agency. The Padres now face the potential of losing Kim, whose defensive prowess and solid hitting were vital to the team’s recent success. He is expected to attract significant interest across the league as a free agent.
Additionally, Gerrit Cole, previously with the Yankees, has opted out of his contract and may be on the Padres’ radar. San Diego, known for pursuing high-profile talent, could explore Cole as a rotation upgrade【6†source】.