South Korean slugger Ha-seong Kim has high hopes for his new club, the San Diego Padres.

"The main reason I joined the Padres is that the Padres are not only a contender but will become the World Series champions this year. I want to be part of a winning team," Kim said through an interpreter.

Asked what he was looking forward to the most and what his biggest challenge would be, he repeated his main goal.

"First and foremost is the Padres winning the World Series, and I would like to contribute significantly to that winning team," Kim said from Korea. "Personally, the challenge to me, my goal is to become the rookie of the year."

The 25-year-old infielder signed a four-year, $28 million deal that could be worth $34 million over five seasons if a mutual option is exercised.