The Athletics tried for free agent shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, offering him a four-year, $48 million contract with room to grow, according to a person briefed on the discussions. Kim, 30, instead opted for a one-year, $20 million deal with the Atlanta Braves, and the chance to return to the open market next season.<\/p>\n
The A\u2019s plan for Kim was to play him almost entirely at second base. He also could have filled in at shortstop if Jacob Wilson missed time with injuries. But now that Kim is off the board, the A\u2019s likely will need to address their needs at second and third base through trade. The remaining free-agent infielders \u2013 from Bo Bichette to Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto \u2013 are expected to be out of their price range.<\/p>\n
The Athletic\u2019s Ken Rosenthal<\/a> on the A\u2019s offer to SS Ha-Seong Kim | December 17, 2025<\/p>\n It\u2019s becoming somewhat less of a surprise to see the A\u2019s active in MLB free agency.<\/p>\n Last offseason, the Athletics signed pitcher Luis Severino to the largest contract in franchise history at $67 million over three years. The A\u2019s also inked players like slugger Brent Rookier and outfielder Lawrence Butler to lengthy extensions.<\/p>\n While the Athletics have an impressive crop of talent that includes Rookie of the Year winner Nick Kurtz, Rookie of the Year runner-up Jacob Wilson, OF\/1B Tyler Soderstrom, and hard-hitting catcher Shea Langeliers, they still have holes to fill in their lineup and rotation.<\/p>\n Going after Kim in MLB free agency peeled back the curtain of the A\u2019s plans as they clearly view second base as an area they can upgrade.<\/p>\n Rosenthal reports that the Athletics won\u2019t be players for the remaining big-ticket free agent infield options, but keep an eye on the trade market. Options like Tampa Bay\u2019s Brandon Lowe and the New York Mets\u2019 Jeff McNeil are candidates to be moved before Spring Training.<\/p>\n Lower-priced options in MLB free agency also remain, such as former Giants infielder Thairo Estrada, veteran Adam Frazier, former Dodgers infielder Chris Taylor, and more.<\/p>\n More MLB free agency content from Sactown Sports<\/p>\n Arizona Diamondbacks star second baseman Ketel Marte\u2019s name has been heavily mentioned in trade rumors this offseason, but the San Francisco Giants may have trouble throwing their hat into those discussions.<\/p>\n While the Giants have been reported to be in the mix for starting pitching options\u2013both in MLB free agency and on the trade market\u2013 such as free-agent ace Framber Valdez<\/a>\u00a0and veteran\u00a0free-agent Max Scherzer<\/a>, they have also been linked to second base options as San Francisco evaluates upgrades across the board.<\/p>\n If the Giants are to attempt a trade for Marte, they will have to navigate the 32-year-old\u2019s no-trade list that includes five teams, with San Francisco being one of the unpreferred destinations.<\/p>\n According to\u00a0The Athletic\u2018s Ken Rosenthal<\/a>, the San Francisco Giants are among those teams listed on Marte\u2019s no-trade list, joining the Athletics, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, and St. Louis Cardinals.<\/p>\n Report: Giants, A\u2019s included on Ketel Marte\u2019s no-trade list<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Upcoming Athletics & MLB Offseason Schedule<\/p>\n MLB Free agency is underway as of the day after the World Series Thank you for reading\u00a0SactownSports.com<\/a>. Follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Google News<\/a>, and subscribe to our\u00a0YouTube<\/a>\u00a0channel.<\/p>\n
\nEarly-January\u00a0\u2013 MLB Arbitration Negotiations
\nMid-February\u00a0\u2013 Pitchers & Catchers report for Spring Training
\nSaturday, February 21st\u00a0\u2013 @ Chicago White Sox (Spring Training Opener)<\/p>\n
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