When the Braves signed Ha-Seong Kim to a one-year, $20 million contract, the expectation was never that he would carry the offense. Atlanta simply needed steady defense, dependable at-bats, and enough production to justify a veteran addition on a club with postseason aspirations. Early in the season, those expectations could be overlooked because the Braves were still finding ways to generate offense elsewhere.
That has changed. With the National League East race tightening, every lineup spot has become increasingly important, and Kim’s offensive struggles have become impossible to ignore. The Braves can no longer afford extended stretches of non-production if they expect to keep pace down the stretch. At some point, the organization has to decide whether the financial commitment should outweigh the need to put its most productive lineup on the field every night.
The Numbers Continue to Get Worse
Manager Walt Weiss finds himself in a difficult position. Benching a player earning $20 million after only one season is never an easy decision, particularly when that player has a reputation for being a reliable major leaguer. Yet Kim’s numbers are so high that they are difficult to defend.
Since joining Atlanta, Kim has hit just .068, going 5-for-71 at the plate. One of those five hits came on a successful squeeze bunt, and after opening the year 4-for-31 through his first nine games, he has fallen even further into an extended slump. He is currently hitless over his last 27 at-bats, a stretch that has only intensified the scrutiny surrounding his role.
Perhaps the most surprising part of Kim’s season is the complete lack of extra-base production. While he has never been known as a middle-of-the-order power hitter, he has consistently managed to contribute occasional doubles and home runs throughout his career, including during the 2025 season. This year, however, he is still searching for his first extra-base hit.
Braves Fans Are Running Out of Patience
The numbers have fueled growing frustration throughout Braves Country.
Bill Shanks summed up the disconnect between salary and production by posting on June 27, “How much do you make in one calendar year? Ha-Seong Kim will make $123,456.79 for tonight’s game.”
Another fan account, @AustinPlanet, highlighted Kim’s unusual split statistics, noting that he is 0-for-40 with the bases empty while collecting all five of his hits with runners aboard. The post concluded with a comparison that drew attention for its harshness, reflecting the emotions that often accompany prolonged offensive struggles. While many would consider the wording excessive, it illustrates just how frustrated portions of the fan base have become.
A Tough Decision Could Be Approaching
To Kim’s credit, baseball has always been a sport of streaks, and even accomplished players can endure lengthy slumps. The challenge for Atlanta is that time is becoming a luxury the club may not have. Every game carries greater significance as the standings tighten, and difficult roster decisions become unavoidable when wins are at a premium.
The Braves begin a new series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, and the spotlight will remain firmly on Kim until he shows signs of breaking out of his slump. Whether Atlanta continues to give him everyday opportunities or begins looking for alternative solutions at shortstop may become one of the more closely watched decisions over the coming weeks.
