SS Ha-Seong Kim Rejoins Braves with $20M, One-Year Agreement
The Atlanta Braves have announced the return of shortstop SS Ha-Seong Kim, securing him with a one-year agreement worth $20 million. The announcement was made on Monday by the franchise.
Kim’s Return to the Braves
At 29 years old, Kim’s journey with the Braves began last season when he was claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays in September. Although he had opportunities for multi-year contracts from other teams, Kim chose to remain with the Braves. He aims to play full-time at shortstop while exploring the free agent market next winter.
Performance with Tampa Bay
Before his move to Atlanta, Kim struggled with injuries during the 2025 season. He played only 24 games with the Rays due to ongoing shoulder and back issues. This limited playing time resulted in a career-low OPS of .611.
Statistics Overview
| Team | At-Bats | Home Runs | RBIs | Batting Average (AVG) | On-Base Percentage (OBP) | Slugging Percentage (SLG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay | 171 | 2 | 5 | .234 | .304 | .345 |
| Atlanta | 87 | 3 | 12 | .253 | .316 | .368 |
Braves’ Future Outlook
With Kim back on the roster, the Braves are hopeful for improvement. Last season, the team finished with a record of 76-86, placing fourth in the NL East. This marked a significant downturn as they missed the postseason for the first time since 2017, ending a streak of seven consecutive playoff appearances, including a World Series title in 2021.
In a roster change, the Braves designated right-handed pitcher Osvaldo Bibo for assignment to make room for Kim. With this strategic maneuver, Atlanta aims to enhance their lineup and work toward a more successful season ahead.
