The San Diego Padres were not incredibly involved in the bigger free agents on the board this offseason. Their one marquee signing came in KBO superstar Sung-Mun Song. The Friars signed him to a four-year, $15 million contract a few weeks after the Winter Meetings in December 2025.
Throughout the offseason, Song has figured to act as a super-utility player in the 2026 clubhouse. His bat may not translate as well over to MLB as his glove will. But he’s able to play all over the infield and is learning how to play the outfield so that the club can insert him wherever and whenever.
The delayed ramp-up to spring
During batting practice in January, Song sustained an oblique injury. This halted his introduction to Spring Training and led to him begin Cactus League play late.
But once he joined the team, he began to prove to be exactly what the Padres hoped he would be. In 19 plate appearances Song notched four hits (including one home run) and three walks.
It’s a far cry from the incredible numbers that Song put up in the KBO. From 2024-25, Song managed a .328/.398/.524 slash line and 45 home runs. But, given time, it’s likely he could produce during the regular season.
Defensively he’s managed quite well. Song has played two games at second base, four at third, and one at shortstop. He has yet to make his debut in the outfield but has been near-perfect in the various infield roles, with only one error across 31.0 innings between the three positions.
The injury stalling his MLB debut
Unfortunately, after belting his first home run of the spring in Thursday’s 27-6 rout against the Seattle Mariners, Song exited the game with a tight oblique. It’s now being reported that his status for Opening Day may be in question.
Song himself said that he feels “fine…play[ing] defense and running,” but that he has difficulty hitting. Manager Craig Stammen stated they would rather wait for Song to be fully rehabilitated as opposed to taking him on and off the injured list throughout the season.
Thankfully the soreness wasn’t a total recurrence of the injury so it shouldn’t take nearly as long to heal from it. That being said, Song has only played light catch. He’s yet to swing or bat or field a ball since Thursday’s game.
The question of the Opening Day roster
Whether or not Song makes it to the clubhouse on Opening Day seems to be a question of his health more so than his performance. If the oblique problem is fully solved by March 26 then he’s an easy selection for the utility role.
It’s uncertain if Song will make the 26-man roster, but if he doesn’t it will create a spot for someone else. Possible options include hot hitters Jose Miranda and Samad Taylor, as well as 2025 Gold Glove winner Ty France.
Whatever the case, Song will hopefully be a major piece of San Diego’s plans for 2026. If he can battle back from the oblique injury, he’ll easily be one of the Friars’ most interesting players to watch this season.
