South Korean media reveals Song Sung-mun is likely to join the San Diego Padres with a contract potentially worth $15 million over three years.

As reported exclusively by South Korea's YTN today, Kiwoom Heroes' third baseman Song Sung-mun has cleared the bidding procedure and is nearing a deal with the MLB’s San Diego Padres, with the contract expected to total $15 million over three years (about 1.08 billion RMB). Song plans to travel to the U.S. soon to complete signing and physical exams, although the Padres have not yet made an official announcement, and major Korean sports media have yet to follow up on the story.

The 29-year-old Song Sung-mun recently renewed his contract with the Kiwoom Heroes this summer for six years worth 12 billion KRW (around 72 million RMB). In the 2025 season, he played all 144 games, hitting 26 home runs and achieving an OPS of 0.917. The renewal contract includes a special clause: if Song chooses to play overseas, the original contract will be automatically terminated.

After the season ended, the Kiwoom Heroes agreed to start the bidding process, granting Song Sung-mun the right to negotiate with MLB teams. This bidding window will close within the week, with much attention focused on his final destination and contract details.

The Padres’ main first baseman for the 2025 season, Luis Arraez, posted an OPS of 0.719 with relatively limited power. He became a free agent after the season and, as of mid-December, has yet to sign with any team.