rewrite this title Padres have unexpected option to boost their outfield

The San Diego Padres outfield appears to be set with Ramon Laureano, Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. from left to right. Another unexpected option could also see time on the grass in 2026.

Padres manager Craig Stammen reportedly said that they could use recently signed KBO infielder Sung Mun Song in the outfield during the 2026 season. Stammen had said that the Padres envision him as a Tommy Edman-esque player, capable of playing around the diamond in a super utility role.

Song appeared to have a role set with the Padres when he signed a four-year, $15M contract earlier this offseason. Although he was primarily a third baseman with the Kiwoom Heroes, Song has experience at both first and second base. As infielder Jake Cronenworth is reportedly on the trade block and Luis Arraez is a free agent, Song has a clear path to playing time.

San Diego Padres looking to get Sung Mun Song’s bat in the lineup any way possible

The Padres quest to find a way to get Song into the lineup as much as possible makes sense. He had a breakout showing in 2024, posting a .340/.409/.518 batting line with 19 homers and 29 doubles over his 602 plate appearances while stealing 21 bases. Song proved that performance was not a fluke with a strong showing in 2025, posting a .315/.387/.530 batting line over 646 plate appearances, hitting a career-high 26 homers and 37 doubles with 25 steals.

Putting Song in the outfield does carry some risk. He has never appeared in the outfield during his professional career and would presumably work on learning those positions during spring training. However, while Song would likely be a fourth outfielder at best in 2026, he could be an option in left if he takes well to the position change when Laureano reaches free agency at the end of the upcoming season.

Such a discussion likely becomes a moot point if Cronenworth is traded. Song could slot in as the Padres primary second baseman in that scenario. No matter what position he plays, the Padres appear determined to get Song’s bat into the lineup as they look to improve their offense heading into the upcoming season.