*This content was translated by AI.
The San Diego Padres will conduct an all-round position experiment to somehow utilize Song Sung-moon (30), a "major league freshman," in the lineup. It is said that all infield positions except shortstop and outfield will be played through exhibition games.
San Diego Padres manager Craig Starman (41) appeared on the U.S. baseball podcast "Foul Terry" on the 14th (Korea Standard Time) and announced his detailed plan, saying, "Song Sung-moon will leave the defense of left field during the spring camp as well as third, second, and first bases."
Song Sung-moon is a top infielder who has mainly played third base in the KBO league over the past two years and won the Golden Glove in the 2025 season. However, San Diego's third base is currently held by a solid starting player named Manny Machado. Coach Starman seems to have somehow taken out a "super utility" card to utilize Song Sung-moon.
San Diego announced the signing of Song Sung-moon on December 23 last year. The contract period is four years, and the amount that Song Sung-moon will receive amounts to 15 million dollars (about 22.2 billion won). There is no right to reject the minor league, but considering the financial situation and the size of the contract in San Diego, Song Sung-moon is likely to play in the major leagues, not the minor leagues.
Since December 27 last year, San Diego's use of Song Seong-moon has been announced. He said he sees a wide range of outfielders as well. In the end, it is interpreted as an intention to utilize Song Sung-moon's athletic ability and hitting in the Major League somehow.
However, the problem is that Song Sung-moon has never played outfield defense even in ⅓ innings on the professional stage. Song Sung-moon, who played for the Kiwoom Heroes from the 2015 to 2025 season, played only infield defense. I played in all infield positions except shortstop. In the 2025 season, the last season in the KBO League, he played 108 times as a starting third baseman and 23 times as a starting second baseman. In this situation, local media in the U.S. consider Song Seong-moon's main position as second baseman. It is also because Jake Cronenworth (32), who was mainly in charge of second baseman, can leave the team through the trade market.
San Diego reportedly discussed outfield defense issues with Song Sung-moon during contract negotiations. "Song Sung-moon will definitely feel comfortable in the infield, but it's also worth trying (Song Sung-moon's) outfield for flexibility in the entire roster," Staman said in an interview with local reporters.
In the end, the key to Song's settlement in the Major League depends on his "adaptability." Specifically, it would be the fastball of pitchers. If Song Seong-moon proves his all-weather ability to play as an outfielder when necessary while maintaining his infielder skills shown in the KBO league, he is expected to completely become a "new engine of San Diego."
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*This content was translated by AI.
