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Could Jae-Hwan Kim be the Next Marlins Signing?

By Kevin Kraczkowski

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - NOVEMBER 08: Outfielder Kim Jae-hwan #32 of South Korea reacts as he crosses the plate to score in the bottom of fifth inning during the WBSC Premier 12 Opening Round Group C game between South Korea and Cuba at the Gocheok Sky Dome on November 08, 2019 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - NOVEMBER 08: Outfielder Kim Jae-hwan #32 of South Korea reacts as he crosses the plate to score in the bottom of fifth inning during the WBSC Premier 12 Opening Round Group C game between South Korea and Cuba at the Gocheok Sky Dome on November 08, 2019 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images) /
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According to a report from Jeeho Yoo, a journalist for Korean Sports, the Marlins are interested in Jae-Hwan Kim.

The 31-year-old, six-foot tall outfielder has played nine seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization with the Doosan Bears. He would be a solid addition to the free agent class for the Marlins.

Although Jae-Hwan Kim didn’t achieve “full time” status with the Bears until 2016, he’s been a force over those four years with a slash line of .321/.397/.582 and 131 home runs. He was the 2018 KBO Most Valuable Player with a .334/.405/.657 line, with 44 homers and 133 RBI in 139 games.

The signing of Kim would further bolster Miami’s outfield corps, recently strengthened by the acquisition of Corey Dickerson. Also currently listed as outfielders on the 40-man roster are Lewis Brinson, Garrett Cooper, Austin Dean, Monte Harrison, Harold Ramirez, Jesus Sanchez, and Magneuris Sierra.

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If Kim makes his way to South Florida, the competition for an outfield roster spot for Opening Day will increase significantly.

Miami is reportedly the first major league team to display interest in Kim, who was posted by Doosan on December 5th. The deadline for Kim to sign a deal is January 5th at 4PM Central Time.

After Yoo reported Miami’s interest, Craig Mish subsequently tweeted that Miami is no longer interested in Kim, but stranger things have happened.

Look for Miami to continue to look into options through free agency. Areas of need include another bullpen arm, another infielder, and any player who may make a solid impact on the fortunes of the 2020 iteration of the team.

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