The Detroit Tigers appear to be eyeing another upgrade to their lineup, and this time the focus is on the infield. According to reporting from the Detroit Free Press’s Evan Petzold, the Tigers have expressed interest in free-agent shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, one of the most versatile and defensively gifted infielders on the market.

Kim is coming off an unusual 2025 season, one split between the Tampa Bay Rays and Atlanta Braves as he worked his way back from offseason shoulder surgery. He played a combined 48 games, but all signs point to him being fully healthy and ready for a normal workload in 2026.

And when Kim is right, he’s the type of player who can make a major impact.

A Look at Kim at His Best

Kim’s strongest MLB season came in 2023 with the San Diego Padres, when he posted a .260/.351/.398 slash line, delivered 17 home runs, drove in 60 runs, and stole 38 bases. That performance earned him a Gold Glove and solidified his reputation as one of the league’s top defensive shortstops.

Even in years when his bat has been up and down, his glove has remained elite, something the Tigers could absolutely use.

How Would Kim Fit in Detroit?

On paper, the Tigers’ infield is already crowded, but that hasn’t stopped the front office from exploring upgrades. Kim represents a clear defensive improvement over Javier Báez, whose struggles — both at the plate and in the field, have been well documented.

Signing Kim wouldn’t necessarily push Báez out of Detroit’s plans, either. The veteran could shift into a utility role, moving between second base and center field, areas where the Tigers have experimented with him before.

Adding Kim would also give Detroit flexibility. With a young pitching-heavy roster and a growing defensive identity, pairing a Gold Glove shortstop with a high-upside rotation could make the Tigers more competitive right away.

The Bottom Line

The interest is real, and the fit makes sense. Ha-Seong Kim is the type of defensive anchor that can stabilize an infield, and for a Tigers team trying to take the next step in 2026, his combination of athleticism, experience, and versatility would be a welcome addition.

Now it comes down to cost, competition, and whether Detroit sees Kim as part of its long-term core.

If they do, don’t be surprised if this rumor turns into something much bigger.