With major MLB sides tapping into Asia’s talent pool more than ever this time, the Rays have just made their move. The post Tampa Bay Rays Secure $29 Million Star to Strengthen Infield appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Ha-Seong Kim may be recovering from shoulder surgery, but the former San Diego Padres infielder still scored a $29 million contract from the Tampa Bay Rays.

An Orlando-based group has its sights set on the Tampa Bay Rays as it looks to bring Major League Baseball to the 15th-largest media market in the country.

The Tampa Bay Rays are supposed to have a new ballpark in the Tampa area by 2029, but the issue has hit another snag.

The offseason has not deviated from the typical tinkering and cash saving maneuvers. Indeed, the almighty dollar is always on the front burner with the front office.

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The Rays have earned their reputation for being among the game’s best at identifying and acquiring young talent from other organizations. They quickly turned Randy Arozarena from an outfielder buried on the Cardinals’ roster into a postseason hero.

If the owner can't get the team's proposed new ballpark built, it may be time for him to sell to someone in the Tampa Bay area who can.

The Rays agreed to a two-year deal with middle infielder Ha-Seong Kim on Wednesday, according to a report by ESPN's Jeff Passan. The club has not confirmed the deal, which is worth $29 million and includes an opt-out clause after 2025,

The Tampa Bay Rays' home ballpark was ravaged by Hurricane Milton and is still in obvious need of obvious repair more than three months later.

"Infielder Ha-Seong Kim and the Tampa Bay Rays are in agreement on a two-year, $29 million contract that includes an opt-out after the first season, sources tell ESPN," Passan tweeted. "Kim is coming off shoulder surgery but is expected to return in May and slated to take over at shortstop."