The Rays are targeting late May for the season debut of Kim (shoulder), Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Kim had said earlier this offseason that he hoped to be ready to play by mid-April following labrum repair surgery on his right shoulder in October. However, he'll be brought along more slowly than that, effectively missing the first two months of the season. The Rays will use Taylor Walls and Jose Caballero at shortstop until Kim is ready.
The Rays signed Kim (shoulder) to a two-year, $29 million contract Wednesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
The deal includes an opt-out after the first year, which would potentially allow Kim to hit the free-agent market again next winter if he bounces back from right shoulder surgery. Tampa Bay expects Kim to be ready to debut for the team by May, at which point he will take over as its everyday shortstop. Taylor Walls and Jose Caballero will compete for reps at short until Kim is ready. Kim, 29, slashed .233/.330/.370 with 11 home runs and 22 stolen bases with the Padres in 2024.
