U.S. Media Suggest Bold Move: Padres Need a Platoon Partner for "SONG"

[mydaily = Reporter Kyung-hyun Kim] Sung-mun Song has joined the San Diego Padres. Beyond signing Song, however, one U.S. outlet suggested the Padres should also pursue Paul Goldschmidt.

MLB.com reported on the 20th (KST), “The busy San Diego Padres appear to have landed one of the most coveted infielders on the international free-agent market, agreeing to a deal with Sung-mun Song. The move came just hours after news broke that San Diego had finalized a contract with starting pitcher Michael King.”

An official announcement has yet to be made. According to BBWAA member Francys Romero, the deal will be finalized once Song completes his medical exam. The contract is reportedly worth three years and $13 million (approximately 19.2 billion won).

A graduate of Bongcheon Elementary (Yongsan-Gu Little League), Hong-eun Middle School, and Jangchung High School, Song was selected by the Nexen Heroes (now Kiwoom Heroes) in the second round (49th overall) of the 2015 KBO Draft. Long regarded as a late bloomer, Song finally broke out in 2024, batting .340 with a .927 OPS while posting 179 hits, 19 home runs, 21 stolen bases, 88 runs scored, and 104 RBIs in 142 games.

He was among the league’s best players this year. Appearing in all 144 games, Song recorded 181 hits, 26 home runs, 25 steals, 103 runs, and 90 RBIs with a .315 average and a .917 OPS. Considering the pitcher-friendly environment, his performance represented an improvement over the previous season. He swept major awards, including the Gold Glove at third base, the KBO Defensive Award at third base, and the Players’ Association Player of the Year.

Despite the accolades, skepticism remains stateside. Friars on Base wrote on the 21st, “Even after signing Sung-mun Song, the Padres still have a glaring hole in their lineup.”

The outlet added, “Song has emerged as a star in Korea over the past few seasons and should significantly bolster San Diego’s depth. However, despite his talent, he alone cannot transform the Padres’ mediocre offense overnight. As seen in Kim Ha-seong’s case, players transitioning from the KBO to MLB often experience early statistical drop-offs.”

It continued, “San Diego should consider signing Paul Goldschmidt as Song’s platoon partner at first base. Song, a left-handed hitter, has historically been stronger against right-handed pitching. If he is asked to start at first or second base in the 2026 season, pairing him with a platoon partner would help him avoid especially difficult matchups during his rookie year.”

Goldschmidt is a first baseman who defined an era. In 2,074 career games, he has amassed 2,190 hits, 372 home runs, 174 stolen bases, 1,280 runs scored, and 1,232 RBIs, with a .288 batting average and an .882 OPS. His résumé includes one MVP award, seven All-Star selections, five Silver Sluggers, and four Gold Gloves. In the 2025 season with the New York Yankees, he appeared in 146 games, hitting .274 with 134 hits, 10 home runs, 76 runs, 45 RBIs, and a .731 OPS.

Goldschmidt is also well known as a “nemesis” of Hyun-jin Ryu. A right-handed hitter who thrives against left-handed pitching, Goldschmidt owns a career .324 average and 1.007 OPS versus southpaws. His peak years coincided with Ryu’s prime in the big leagues.

Friars on Base concluded, “The Padres were already seeking a power bat at first base, and now that they’ve added Song, they may be able to target a player with more specialized skills. Pairing Goldschmidt’s proven production with Song’s power-speed profile in a platoon could allow the Padres to reestablish a formidable combination at first base.”