On Monday, the Atlanta Braves made a surprise move that’s got the baseball world doing a double take: they claimed infielder Ha-Seong Kim off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Yes, that Ha-Seong Kim — Gold Glove winner, former KBO star, and one of the sneakiest weapons in MLB when he’s healthy. And now, he’s headed to Wrigley Field in Chicago to suit up for Atlanta as soon as Tuesday.
Why the Braves Claimed Ha-Seong Kim
Kim, who turns 30 next month, has had a brutal run with injuries this season — a mix of back inflammation and the lingering effects of right shoulder surgery. That limited him to just 24 games in 2025 and a less-than-ideal .611 OPS over 84 at-bats. Not pretty.
But let’s not forget what he did just two seasons ago: 14th in MVP voting, a Gold Glove, 38 stolen bases, and a rock-solid 5.4 bWAR. That’s elite-level production, and not a fluke. That’s a guy who knows how to change a game — with the glove and the bat.
And here’s the wrinkle: he’s got a $16 million player option for 2026. So this isn’t just a rental — this could be a test drive for something longer. Kim’s versatility is a major plus. While he’s primarily a shortstop, the man can play all over the infield and brings serious defensive chops wherever he lines up.
Making Room on Atlanta’s Roster
Now, to make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta made a corresponding move that stings a bit: Austin Riley was shifted to the 60-day injured list with that lingering lower abdominal strain. It’s a move that tells you two things — 1) Riley’s return isn’t right around the corner, and 2) the Braves aren’t standing still. They’re gearing up. They want depth. They want flexibility. And they’re not afraid to shake things up.
Kim might not be the flashiest bat in the order right now, but if he gets healthy this could turn into one of those low-risk, high-reward moves that make headlines in October. The Braves are betting on that upside. And with the postseason picture coming into focus, who wouldn’t take a flier on a guy who’s already shown he can deliver elite defense, speed, and clutch performances when it counts?
