The Atlanta Braves seem ready to go all in this offseason, especially after the way last year ended. Although the team still needs to hire a new manager, their biggest focus is clearly on the shortstop position. The Braves are working to re-sign Ha-Seong Kim, who has spoken fondly about his time in Atlanta.
“It was great. I enjoyed Tampa Bay, but I think I had more fun and enjoyed playing baseball in Atlanta. I’m sorry I kept feeling unwell and in pain in Tampa Bay,” Kim said.
Those remarks could bode well for the Braves’ chances of keeping him.
“Kim’s decision will shape the entire offseason. While his vague response might worry fans, his praise of Atlanta suggests the city could play a role in his choice to return,” wrote HTHB’s Mitchell Barbee.
However, Braves insider Mark Bowman reports that Kim’s situation is likely headed toward a competitive free-agency battle.
“Kim is expected to decline his $16 million player option for 2026 and become a sought-after name in what will be a thin shortstop market,” Bowman wrote.
If Kim reaches free agency without an extension, Atlanta could be left scrambling to fill a major void at shortstop.
“With the limited market, Kim has every reason to test free agency. That’s why it’s crucial for the Braves to keep him,” noted SI’s Harrison Smajovits. “If he opts out and signs elsewhere, the Braves will be back to square one. The offense already has issues, and Kim helped address one of them.”
Failing to retain Kim would put Atlanta in a tough spot, as the shortstop position could quickly become a major concern again. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos faces a big challenge—and the Braves may need to pull out all the stops to win the bidding war for Kim.
Be the first to comment