Braves Predicted to Snatch Padres’ Star Infielder in Free Agency

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Braves Poised to Steal Padres’ Star Infielder
Braves Poised to Steal Padres’ Star Infielder

The hopes were sky-high when the Atlanta Braves kicked off the 2024 season. After all, this was a team loaded with star power, looking to dominate the league once again.

Their World Series hopes were quickly in the rear view mirror as injury after injury plagued the team. Atlanta saw their Opening Day starting lineup just once last season.

Injuries Derail the Braves’ 2024 Campaign

Injuries Derail the Braves' 2024 Campaign

Two critical injuries—Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr.—sent the team’s plans skidding off course. The Braves struggled to regain their footing without their two superstars at full capacity.

They managed to scrape their way into the postseason, but their stay was short-lived, exiting unceremoniously in the Wild Card round. Ouch.

Could Ha-Seong Kim Be the Braves’ Wild Card?

Could Ha-Seong Kim Be the Braves' Wild Card?

As the 2025 season is around the corner, the Braves find themselves in a familiar position. They can either retool or risk falling further behind. Enter R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports, who has an intriguing suggestion to shake things up.

According to Anderson, the Braves might roll the dice this offseason by signing San Diego Padres infielder Ha-Seong Kim, who could be a potential game-changer—if everything goes right.

Here’s the catch: Kim isn’t exactly coming off a picture-perfect season. In fact, he’s recovering from a major shoulder surgery that’s expected to keep him sidelined for a big chunk of the upcoming year.

Anderson laid it out plainly: “There are only so many teams willing to invest in a player who they know won’t be available to them for much of the upcoming year. This is total guesswork, but the Braves make sense on a few levels, including upgrading over Orlando Arcia for the stretch run.”

The Risk vs. Reward of Signing Kim

The Risk vs. Reward of Signing Kim

Kim’s value when healthy is undeniable. He’s known for his elite defensive prowess at shortstop, Kim also packs a respectable bat, making him a double threat on the field.

If the Braves play their cards right, they could land him on a team-friendly deal. They can capitalize on his uncertain timeline for recovery. It’s a gamble, but one that could pay massive dividends come playoff time.

In the end, Atlanta must decide if this is the risk they will take. While there’s no such thing as a sure thing in baseball, Kim could be the secret weapon the Braves need to reclaim their dominance. It’s a high-stakes move, but fortune favors the bold, right?