The Atlanta Braves are facing a busy offseason with multiple key decisions on the horizon, including what to do with Marcell Ozuna and Raisel Iglesias.
After their disappointing 2025 campaign, the Braves need to add depth and more durable starters. One bright spot from late in the season was Ha-Seong Kim, who they picked up off waivers from Tampa Bay in August and showed some promise down the stretch.
Kim Tests Free Agency
Now that storyline takes a turn. Per Jon Heyman, Kim has opted out of his current deal and will test free agency this winter.
The timing makes sense from Kim’s perspective. The shortstop free agency class is really weak this offseason, and he’s positioned himself as one of the top available options.
Bo Bichette headlines the list, but even he may not be playing shortstop much longer. After Kim, you’re looking at guys like Isiah Kiner-Falefa as the next best option.
Kim signed a one-year deal before the 2025 season with the Rays that included a player option for 2026. He only played 48 games total – 24 with Tampa Bay, 24 with Atlanta after the waiver claim.
What Kim Brings
In those 24 games with the Braves, Kim hit three home runs and batted *.253 with an OPS+ of 93*. Not exactly eye-popping numbers, but here’s the context that matters: Atlanta didn’t get a single home run from a shortstop until their **137th game** of the season.
That’s where Kim’s value becomes clear.
Nick Allen was a great defensive specialist, but the Braves desperately need some infield depth if they want to compete in 2026. Kim offers that versatility and at least some offensive production from a position where they got basically nothing last year.
The question now is whether Atlanta will pursue Kim on the open market or look elsewhere to address their infield needs. Given the weak shortstop class and Kim’s familiarity with the organization, a reunion seems like it could make sense for both sides.
