Atlanta Braves Lock Down Ha-Seong Kim With One-12 months, $20M Contract

A deal between the Atlanta Braves and Ha-Seong Kim is remaining. Both events have gained.

Kim opted out of his 2026 participant possibility. He will obtain $4 million.

Kim Returns to Atlanta

The Braves can have their key shortstop again for yet another season. The one-year deal valued at $20 million was confirmed on Dec. 16, per The Athletic. Kim final performed for the Braves in a one-month tryout motion final September.

Despite the brevity of his time with the Braves in September, the tall however muscular participant was in a position to don the uniform for twenty-four video games and create ripples that the Braves have lacked on the shortstop place following the departure of Dansby Swanson to the Chicago Cubs in 2022.

This expertise instilled sufficient swagger for Kim to stroll away from the $16 million assure from the Tampa Bay Rays that was on the desk for him.

Career Highlights and Versatility

At solely 30 years previous, the Korean infielder has established himself not solely as a flexible infielder but additionally as a worthwhile asset for the staff. While with the San Diego Padres, he achieved private data within the variety of dwelling runs recorded (17), wins above alternative (5.3), and on-base proportion (.351) within the 2023 season.

Free Agency and Last Year’s Issues

According to USA Today, Kim was derailed through the 2024 season on account of an damage to his shoulder, which restricted him from taking part within the lively roster of the Rays for under a complete of 24 video games.

Feeling the sting of the $16 million participant possibility for 2026, Tampa Bay put him on waivers, permitting the Braves to make a swift transfer in direction of bringing him in.

The Braves, recognizing the worth of getting Kim, had no reservations about including him to their roster, bringing depth to their aspect with an skilled participant like him.

The Braves had signed an All-Star reliever in Robert Suarez. They additionally prolonged nearer Raisel Iglesias. Moreover, they strengthened their outfield corps by buying Mike Yastrzemski, who signed a two-year contract value $23 million.