Hyeseong Kim posting deadline could impact conclusion of Cubs' offseason

As the Chicago Cubs wait for the next update from Roki Sasaki, infielder Hyeseong Kim's posting deadline is set to close on Friday afternoon. Kim's posting window closes at 4 pm CST on Friday, meaning he will need to have reached an agreement with a Major League Baseball team by then if he were to be on a Major League roster in 2025.

Unlike Sasaki, the Cubs haven't been linked to Kim this offseason. The Seattle Mariners have been the team rumored to be the favorite for Kim this offseason, with the Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, and Cincinnati Reds also being linked to the Korean infielder. However, there was a report on Sunday that Kim received an offer from the Cubs.

Even though the Cubs have not been linked to Kim this offseason, that doesn't mean there isn't interest. If last offseason's courting of Shota Imanaga was any indication, the Cubs usually are coy when pursuing international free agents.

There are plenty of reasons to believe that the Cubs would be interested in Kim's profile. Kim has the positional flexibility to serve as a super-utility man for the team that signs with him, with shortstop and second base being his primary positions. Kim's defense is projected to be ahead of his offense in terms of his Major League Baseball profile, but he has the bat-to-ball contact skills and speed that elevate the Cubs' bench. In light of the Cubs watching rumored target Josh Rojas sign with the Chicago White Sox, it's worth wondering if they believe they have a legitimate shot at signing Kim.

Kim, 25, is not subject to the international free agent rules such as Sasaki is but is not expected to land a lucrative Major League deal.

If the Cubs don't land Kim and he signs with the Mariners, that may put an official end to the speculation of Nico Hoerner being a fit for Seattle. As the Mariners look for offense and infield help, Hoerner has been a popular name bandied about in trade rumors.