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Why Padres optioned $15 million infielder and former KBO star to Triple-A
TL;DR
The San Diego Padres optioned infielder Sung-Mun Song, a former KBO star, to Triple-A El Paso after reinstating him from the injured list. Song, who signed a four-year, $15 million deal, is being given time to gain regular at-bats before making his MLB debut.
Key points
- Sung-Mun Song was optioned to Triple-A El Paso.
- He signed a four-year, $15 million deal with the Padres.
- Song is recovering from a right oblique strain.
- He played in only eight spring training games.
- Song has a .276 batting average in Triple-A.
San Diego PadresSung-Mun Song
Why Padres optioned $15 million infielder and former KBO star to Triple-A originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The San Diego Padres are making a smart decision with an infielder they signed from the Korea Baseball Organization over the offseason.
Former KBO star Sung-Mun Song was reinstated from the injured list on Thursday, but was optioned to Triple-A El Paso. He agreed to a four-year, $15 million deal with the NL West club.
Song had a right oblique strain and started the season on the injured list, so he's yet to make his Major League debut. Smartly, the Padres want the 29-year-old to get everyday playing time and regular at-bats before he rejoins the MLB roster.
He also played in just eight games during spring training. Through his first 16 games at Triple-A, Song owns a .276/.364/.310 slash line with 10 RBIs and a .674 OPS.
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The third baseman, who can also play second and first, became a star in South Korea with the Kiwoom Heroes. In 2025, he hit 26 home runs and stole 25 bases, finishing the season with a .917 OPS in 144 games.
The Padres hope that production carries over from the KBO, but they clearly have the infield depth to be patient with Song's development.
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Q&A
Why did the Padres option Sung-Mun Song to Triple-A?
The Padres optioned Sung-Mun Song to Triple-A to ensure he gets everyday playing time and regular at-bats after recovering from a right oblique strain.
What is Sung-Mun Song's contract with the Padres?
Sung-Mun Song agreed to a four-year, $15 million contract with the San Diego Padres.
How has Sung-Mun Song performed in Triple-A so far?
In his first 16 games at Triple-A, Sung-Mun Song has a .276 batting average, 10 RBIs, and a .674 OPS.
