[Yoo] Newest Padre Sung-Mun Song spoke with reporters after returning to Korea. He said he’s most excited to play with Manny Machado, calling him a “superstar.” Song added he may ask Wagner about No. 24 & said Ha-Seong Kim told him great things about San Diego, Padres teammates & front office staff.

From Jeeho Yoo

On the one teammate he most looks forward to meeting/playing with: Manny Machado. Song called him "a superstar" and said he's been following Manny's career since his amateur/student-athlete days in Korea.

On an opposing pitcher he most looks forward to facing: Paul Skenes. Song said Skenes has been the best pitcher in baseball lately and he's curious to see him pitch in person.

Song has been a good fastball hitter in KBO and he said he has always had confidence in his ability to handle velo. He also said he will have to prepare the best he can to catch up to MLB fastballs.

Song wore No. 24 in KBO from 2022 to 2025. Will Wagner has that number now on the Padres. Song said he knows his place as a rookie and will take whatever number is available because he doesn't have preference for a specific number

Song did say he may even ask Wagner for a switch "if a situation allows for such a conversation" but insisted he won't force the issue.

Song said Ha-Seong Kim told him great things about San Diego, Padres teammates and front office staff. Song believes Kim's good history there had a positive impact on his own contract. Song said he will continue to lean on Kim for help since HSK still has friends on the team.

Song and Kim were teammates in KBO. Song has two more ex-KBO teammates in NL West, with Jung Hoo Lee (Giants) and Hyeseong Kim (Dodgers). The three were really close during their KBO days and Song said it will be nice to have them around for support when he gets homesick, etc.

Song didn't break out until 2024, 9 years after his KBO debut. He said even he himself didn't expect he'd sign with an MLB team at this point in his career. Said he hopes to inspire younger players with his improbable/unlikely career journey.

Song has mostly played 3B but has also played some 2B and 1B. He said he isn't going to San Diego as an everyday player and he will try to be ready to play multiple positions in MLB. Also said he looks forward to learning and growing by playing alongside big leaguers.