Baltimore Orioles Sign Hyun-soo Kim: Fantasy Fallout

The Baltimore Orioles add outfield depth by signing Korean star Hyun-soo Kim to a two-year deal. What can the Korean veteran bring to Baltimore in 2016?

Throughout the Winter Meetings, the Baltimore Orioles were openly shopping around for outfielders. They have showed some interest in Yoenis Cespedes, Justin Upton and other top free-agent outfielders. While nothing has progressed in those talks, the Orioles went overseas to find depth. The team announced Wednesday afternoon that they signed Korean outfielder Hyun-soo Kim to a two-year deal. With nine years’ experience, the Orioles add a seasoned player at a low cost. 

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In his nine seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization, 1131 games, he had 1294 hits, 142 home runs, 771 RBI, 54 stolen bases, .84:1 K:BB ratio and a .318/.406/.488 line. As you can see, there isn’t much power  in Kim’s bat, but the contact and patience are obviously there. The Orioles could use that high OBP. Chris Davis led all Orioles hitters with a .361 OBP, and he’s currently a free agent.

His best season came last year. He played in 141 games, hitting .326 with 28 home runs, 121 RBI and 101 walks. It was the first time he hit over 20 home runs and 100 RBI since 2010 and 2009, respectively. He looks to be more of the 17/90 variety, which isn’t bad.

The Orioles used platoons in both right and left field. Steve Pearce and Nolan Reimold split time in left and Gerardo Parra and Delmon Young played over 50 games each in right. Early reports indicate that Hyun-soo Kim will likely be featured in left field with Mark Trumbo playing behind him.

Next: Matt Duffy 2016 Projections

Making any sort of realistic projection for Hyun-soo Kim is going to be difficult. I’ve never seen him play nor have I seen the pitching he faced. There haven’t been many Korean players throughout the years, but there are a few active ones. If he could have the career Shin-Soo Choo had during the mid-2000s, then he’ll be a fantasy star. However, you should expect some early troubles similar to what shortstop Jung Ho Kang went through in 2015. He is definitely worth a late-round flyer in all league typs.

Projections: 100 hits, 13 home runs, 70 RBI, .270 batting average

Draft: Round 22