29-Year-Old Korean Infielder Might Be the Dark Horse of International Free Agency
Japan’s NPB has sent more players across the Pacific to Major League Baseball than Korea’s KBO League, hence high praise for the huge bats of Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto. However, both leagues are considered the top in Asia. In recent years, the KBO has featured players such as Ha-Seong Kim, Jung-Hoo Lee, and Hyeseong Kim. The wave of Korean talent continues; a few more players are hoping to make the jump to an MLB team.
One of them is Sung Mun Song, a 29-year-old infielder for the Kiwoom Heroes. His “MLB seniors”, Kim, Lee, and Kim, were all teammates with Song as members of the Heroes. Defensively, he has the most experience at the hot corner but has logged time in his career at both second base and first base. Most notably, his offensive production has skyrocketed over the last two seasons, boosting his star status in the KBO and garnering interest from MLB. He had a magical 2024 season, an impressive .340 batting average, 19 home runs, and 104 runs batted in. In 2025, he followed it up with a .315 average, 26 home runs, and 90 runs batted in. Through nine KBO seasons, he posted a .283 batting average, 80 home runs, and 454 runs batted in. In addition, Song appeared in 142 games during the 2024 season and all 144 games of the KBO regular season this year, a testament to his health and durability. Even with that, big league teams will probably be careful not to overplay him and risk injury.
Though he signed a six-year contract extension with the team a few months ago, he has still requested that they post him to be eligible for MLB opportunities. Despite the recent extension, the Heroes have also stated their respect for Song’s wishes. It is now or never for the 29-year-old; he has pushed all his chips to the middle of the table. Therefore, he may be a sleeper pick to be an impact player if an MLB team gives him a shot.
Once he is posted, Song should have several suitors due to his infield versatility. In a competitive division such as the NL West, teams are looking for any advantage to come out on top at the end of the season. The Padres were Ha-Seong Kim’s first MLB team and could use his services if Luis Arraez moves on to another team this offseason. The 29-year-old utility man would likely spend most of his time on the right side of the infield, splitting duties with Jake Cronenworth. When Manny Machado needs time off, he could fill the spot at third base. The Giants could view Song as an option for the second base spot and experiment with the combination of him and the right-handed bat of Casey Schmitt. It would make sense and give the Giants another option at first base. Furthermore, Giants fans would go crazy having a second Korean talent on the team alongside Lee. The Dodgers are always in the free agent race. However, similar to the Padres, they may have an outgoing free agent in Max Muncy. If he does not return, then third base would be open, and Song could slot into his primary position. He would reunite with Hyeseong Kim and have the opportunity to play under the bright lights.
