The Chicago Cubs are among five teams to extend an offer to Korena and KBO star Hyeseong Kim ahead of his posting deadline that ends on Friday according to a new report from KBO in English.

Kim is an infielder with skills that translate well to a utility-man-type player in the MLB but many scouts question his ability to be an everyday player or starter in the Majors. Still, he could provide great depth as a bench player for almost any contending team.

Among the teams who have offered Kim a contract includes the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners and yes, the Cubs.

If you take a quick glance, Chicago is the only non-west coast team to extend Kim an offer. All four of the other teams have long made it a priority to pursue the up and coming Asian players being produced from Japan and Korea.

It was not expected for Chicago to extend an offer to the 25-year-old left-hander, but the same report suggesting the Cubs did extend an offer also says that offers are coming in around $10 million. That is much lower than expected but appears right in line for a premium bench player.

At that rate, it is a surprise that more MLB teams were not in on the Kim sweepstakes and likely explains why Chicago felt the desire to hop in the pool despite there being no reports of interest on the Cubs’ end.

As one can imagine, the Dodgers lead the way as favorites and one would have to assume the Padres are not far behind. While Kim makes sense as a fit for Chicago, it is hard envisioning him passing up the chance to play for a powerhouse like Los Angeles or leave the West Coast to play in the Midwest when flights to Asia and time zones are much easier to navigate on the Pacific coast.