Predicting Rays lineup when Ha-Seong Kim returns from injury

Jul 26, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA;  San Diego Padres medical staff speak with San Diego Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (7) after a play at first base against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Jul 26, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; San Diego Padres medical staff speak with San Diego Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (7) after a play at first base against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

When you reminisce about the Rays shortstops of the past, names like Julio Lugo, Yunel Escobar, Jason Bartlett, and more recently, Willy Adames will likely come to your mind. These players held their own and some of them had fantastic seasons in Tampa Bay. For example, Jason Bartlett completed his only All-Star season with the Rays in 2009 when he hit .320 and swiped 30 bags. It's way too early to claim that Ha-Seong Kim will be one of the great Rays shortstops of all time, but the potential is exuberant.

On January 29th, the Rays signed former Padres middle infielder Ha-Seong Kim to a two-year deal worth a total of $29 million. The talented shortstop is now the highest paid athlete on the Rays roster and for good reason. The 29-year old is currently the only Rays player that has obtained a Gold Glove award, as he won the hardware during his impressive 2023 campaign.

Kim has also been able to accrue a hefty 15.3 career WAR over the span of only four MLB seasons. His best year in 2023 saw the smooth fielder collect a 5.3 WAR, as his production was evident in all facets of the game for the San Diego Padres. He hit .260 with 40 extra-base hits and 38 stolen bases that year and the Rays would be greatly appreciative if he boosted their offense with those numbers in 2025.

Kevin Cash will have the difficult, but admirable problem of designing the Rays lineup once Ha-Seong Kim returns from injury in May. Prior to Kim's arrival to the everyday lineup, it will be much simpler and pretty similar to last year's arrangement, aside from the addition of newly acquired catcher Danny Jansen. Here's a look at the projected Opening Day lineup.

Position

Player

1B

Yandy Diaz

2B

Brandon Lowe

3B

Junior Caminero

RF

Josh Lowe

LF

Christopher Morel

DH

Jonathan Aranda

C

Danny Jansen

SS

Taylor Walls

CF

Jonny DeLuca

This lineup will need bounce-back performances from Josh Lowe and Christopher Morel along with continuous production from Yandy Diaz and Junior Caminero. The bottom of the lineup will need to bring some sort of production, especially compared to last year. Hopefully, Jansen improves the offense from the Rays' catchers standpoint and Jonny DeLuca becomes a more reliable hitter than former center fielder Jose Siri.

Regardless, the lineup will almost certainly experience a boost in potential when Kim emerges from the injured list. Here's how we project the lineup will look with the Korean infielder in the mix.

Position

Player

1B

Yandy Diaz

SS

Ha-Seong Kim

2B

Brandon Lowe

3B

Junior Caminero

RF

Josh Lowe

LF

Christopher Morel

DH

Jonathan Aranda

C

Danny Jansen

CF

Jonny DeLuca

The extra offense at the top of this Rays lineup will be monumental towards their potential for success. It will be exciting to watch how it plays out on the big stage in May.

Schedule