Well, Braves fans, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the obvious: even after a 2024 season that felt like an all-you-can-eat buffet of injuries, the Atlanta Braves aren’t exactly desperate. And that, in itself, is a pretty good place to be.
Ronald Acuña Jr., Spencer Strider, and Austin Riley all took extended vacations on the IL last season, but barring some cosmic misfortune, they’ll all be back for 2025, ready to make a run for that eighth-straight playoff berth. Now that trio can keep the lights on and the fans cheering.
But hold on. Because while the Braves could sit back, sip some sweet tea, and trust their returning stars, there’s still room to fine-tune this engine. And with Max Fried packing his bags for the Bronx — that one stings, doesn’t it? — the rotation suddenly feels a little thinner, even if Strider shows up throwing lasers again.
A fresh arm wouldn’t hurt. But let’s not overlook the infield, where the whispers of a big external addition are starting to sound more like a full-on chorus.
The Braves Predicted To Sign Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim
Suppose Just Baseball’s Ryan Finklestein’s prediction holds up, and the Braves snag Kim on a five-year, $60 million deal. In that case, they’re not just getting a guy to plug a hole — they’re getting versatility.
This guy can play shortstop, second base, or third base, and he’s an elite defender while he’s at it. Oh, and he’s only 29. That’s prime baseball age, folks.
Sure, his 2024 numbers with the Padres (.233/.330/.370) won’t make you leap out of your seat, especially since a shoulder injury cut his season short.
But 2023? That’s the version of Kim you want to focus on: a .260/.351/.398 slash line, an All-Star nod, and even a few MVP votes sprinkled in there. This isn’t just a utility guy. This is someone who can lock down multiple infield spots and still give you a decent bat.
Now, what does this mean for Orlando Arcia? He’s been the Braves guy at shortstop for the last two seasons, and while he’s steady, he’s not exactly the firecracker that Kim could be. But here’s the good news: Arcia is set to make just $2 million in 2025, with a club option for 2026 at the same price.
If the Braves add Kim, they don’t have to send Arcia packing. He could slide into a utility role, providing even more infield depth — and after last season’s injury-palooza, you can never have too much depth.
Adding Kim gives you insurance, flexibility, and the potential for some extra pop in the lineup. You can’t lose with that move. And for a team that’s already stacked with talent, this kind of addition could be the difference between good and dominant.
The Braves could play it cool and do nothing. But why not swing for a versatile player like Kim? The reward could be huge, and let’s face it — in baseball, it’s always better to be a step ahead than a step behind.
