When the Braves claimed Ha-Seong Kim off waivers from the Rays on September 1, it was a move that offered defensive upside on a modest investment. Kim, however, arrives to Atlanta with serious injury concerns—he appeared in just 24 games for Tampa Bay in 2025 before being claimed—and a performance history that demands scrutiny.
Atlanta’s infield needs are no secret. Ozzie Albies’ fractured hamate ended his season prematurely, and Nick Allen’s offense cratered. With Grissom unable to seize a full-time role, the Braves must decide if Kim is part of the solution or an interim patch.
Kim’s Defensive Value and Versatility
Even with limited playing time, Kim’s defensive reputation still precedes him. According to Baseball Savant, he posted double-digit Outs Above Average in prior seasons, excelling at both second base and shortstop. His glove-first reputation is precisely why Atlanta showed interest.
On offense, Kim’s 2023 campaign remains his benchmark: he posted a 112 wRC+ and delivered 4.4 WAR in that year, per FanGraphs. But since then, injuries and inconsistency have limited his ability to produce. In 2025, his limited plate appearances out of Tampa Bay didn’t provide enough sample size to judge true performance.
Contract Complexity and Market Context
Kim arrived in Atlanta with a two-year, $29 million deal he signed with the Rays, including a $16 million player option for 2026. If he opts in, the Braves may be locked into paying for see-if-it-works health time. If he opts out, he enters a volatile free-agent market based on limited performance data.
By choosing free agency, he is opening the door to clubs like the Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees, who carry both financial capacity and infield needs. House That Hank Built speculated about landing spots ranging from big-market fits to value-driven suitors.
Does Kim Fit Atlanta’s Long-Term Plan?
Kim’s acquisition signals ambition and internal uncertainty. The Braves’ more pressing offseason priorities remain bullpen restructuring and rotation depth. But giving Kim a chance offers middle-infield stability, especially given Albies’ health questions and Allen’s decline.
Still, Atlanta cannot lean fully on hopeful outcomes. Kim must stay healthy and produce defensively and at the plate. The Braves need internal clarity: is this a foundation move or temporary upgrade?
For Braves Country, the real test isn’t whether Kim looks good on paper—it’s whether he’s part of a coherent offseason plan that gets them back to October.
