It wasn’t long ago that Braves infielder Ha-Seong Kim looked like a lock to cash in with a monster free-agent deal… and now we’re all sitting here wondering if he’ll even opt out of one year at $16 million.
From Consistent Contributor to Uncertainty After Surgery
Kim’s three-year stretch from 2022 to 2024 was sneaky solid — .250 average, on-base north of .330, and more than 70 stolen bases. Sprinkle in elite defense across the infield and you’ve got a guy who was pumping out 3-5 WAR seasons like clockwork. Add in his age — he just turned 29 — and last fall it really looked like he’d ride that consistency right into a nine-figure deal. Think four, maybe even five years. Then, boom, shoulder surgery, and everything changed.
He signs with the Rays — two years, $29 million, opt-out after one. The classic Boras blueprint: rebuild value, hit the open market again. Except… it didn’t exactly go to plan.
Kim played just 48 games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The bat was quiet (.234/.304/.345), the defense? Not what we’re used to. So the Rays, who are never afraid to cut bait, waived him. And in steps Atlanta, scooping him up like a guy scanning the bargain bin and finding something worth a second look.
Braves Stint Offers Glimmer of Hope
Kim kind of started to cook again in Atlanta. It wasn’t fireworks, but it was progress. In 98 plate appearances: .253/.316/.368, a 91 wRC+, and most importantly, he looked more like the old Kim. Less swing-and-miss, better underlying metrics, and a bit of that spark back on the basepaths. His BABIP was a little unlucky, too — .271 — so there’s some room for optimism.
Now the real question: Does he roll the dice, opt out of $16 million, and hit a thin free-agent shortstop market with Bo Bichette being the only real heavyweight? Or does he stay in Atlanta, keep raking under Alex Anthopoulos’ watch, and aim for a much bigger payday in 2026?
Opt-Out Dilemma in a Thin Shortstop Market
There’s no obvious answer here. Opting out feels risky coming off a banged-up season and less than 100 decent Braves appearances. However, this is a Boras client again. And if you know anything about Scott Boras, you know he’s not exactly afraid of a little market uncertainty — especially when the competition is weak and his guy has a track record to sell.
And let’s not forget, teams need middle infielders. There’s always a market for shortstops who can pick it and run a little. So yeah, Kim’s decision isn’t just about stats — it’s about leverage. Timing. Market perception. And Boras knows how to squeeze every drop out of those things.
It’s a tough call — but one thing’s for sure: we’ll be watching. Whether he opts in or out, Ha-Seong Kim just became one of the most fascinating names of this offseason.
