After repeatedly stating their desire to add left-handed outfield help for the 2016 season, the Orioles have reportedly agreed to a two-year contract with Korean outfielder Hyun-soo Kim.
According to multiple outlets, Baltimore will pay Kim a total of $7 million over two years to make the jump from the Korean Baseball Organization to the majors, pending a physical.
The 27-year-old Kim has been praised for his ability to make contact and get on base, two attributes the Orioles have wanted to improve for a club that finished 81-81 in 2015. This past season, he hit .326 with 28 home runs, 128 RBIs, and a .438 on-base percentage in 141 games in the KBO.
After spending nine seasons with the Doosan Bears, Kim was finally eligible for free agency and had reportedly drawn interest from several major league clubs. Of course, questions will remain over how his ability will translate to the majors, but the impressive performance of Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Jung Ho Kang this past season creates reason for optimism.
Kim would most likely project to be a left fielder in the majors and is considered to be a solid but unspectacular defensive player.
