Atlanta Braves Re-Sign Ha-Seong Kim, Solidify Infield Depth

The Atlanta Braves just made a bold, win-now move by re-signing shortstop Ha-Seong Kim to a one-year, $20 million contract. Kim arrived via waiver claim late in 2025 and posted only modest numbers.

Now, despite recent shoulder surgery and a crowded shortstop market, Atlanta’s trusting him as their everyday shortstop for 2026. The luxury tax bill? Well, it just got a lot heavier.

Ha-Seong Kim Bets on Himself — and So Do the Braves

Kim turned down a $16 million player option before agreeing to this new deal. Both sides clearly see 2026 as a big season.

The 30-year-old shortstop landed in Atlanta late in the 2025 campaign after the Braves claimed him off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays. Tampa Bay wanted to shed the financial burden of his player option after an injury-marred stint.

Atlanta saw a chance to gamble on upside at a premium position. There’s a certain logic to it, even if it feels a bit risky.

From San Diego to Tampa to Atlanta: A Turbulent Two Years

Kim’s journey hasn’t been smooth at all. He suffered a shoulder labrum injury in August 2024 while with the San Diego Padres, which really changed his market value and career path.

The Padres didn’t extend a qualifying offer after that injury, so Kim hit free agency with no draft-pick compensation attached. The Rays moved quickly and signed him to a two-year, $29 million deal last offseason, hoping to buy low on a versatile defender with some offensive upside.

Injuries derailed those plans. Kim saw limited playing time and didn’t produce much in Tampa Bay, never really finding his rhythm.

By late 2025, the Rays decided to cut costs and put him on waivers, trying to get his player option off their books.

Braves See More Than the Box Score

On paper, Kim’s time with Atlanta in 2025 wasn’t impressive. He posted a .253/.316/.368 slash line in 98 plate appearances—numbers that don’t exactly pop in a contending lineup.

But the Braves are looking past the surface stats. They believe that line doesn’t show Kim’s real ability, especially considering his recent surgery and the rust from rehabbing a shoulder labrum.

Underlying Metrics Point to a Rebound

In 2025, Kim set career highs in exit velocity and hard-contact rate. That’s a good sign his bat speed and swing mechanics are still there—or maybe even better—after the injury.

His arm strength did drop a bit after surgery. For some teams, that might be a dealbreaker at shortstop, but the Braves seem fine with it, given Kim’s instincts, range, and defensive polish.

Everyday Shortstop Role Locks In Braves’ Infield Picture

By giving Kim $20 million on a one-year deal, the Braves aren’t treating him like a placeholder. They see him as the everyday shortstop for 2026, which definitely shakes up their infield and clubhouse roles.

The biggest impact is on Mauricio Dubón, who’ll move into a utility role. That gives Atlanta flexibility across the diamond and shows real faith in Kim’s ability to anchor the infield.

Dubón Shifts, Depth Strengthens

With Kim at short, the Braves can use Dubón all over—second, third, even the outfield if needed. That kind of depth matters a ton over a 162-game season, especially for a team with postseason hopes.

Defensively, Atlanta now projects to have solid coverage up the middle. If Kim’s bat matches his glove and those encouraging metrics, this could turn out to be one of the offseason’s savvier short-term moves.

Luxury Tax Implications and Market Impact

Kim’s contract isn’t cheap, and the Braves feel it on the balance sheet. With this signing, Atlanta’s payroll jumps past the $244 million luxury tax threshold, landing at about $255 million in combined tax obligations.

That’s a big financial commitment for a one-year deal. It shows how serious Atlanta is about making the most of their current championship window—even if it means paying extra in tax penalties.

Shortstop Market Tightens, Bo Bichette Stands Alone

Kim’s decision to return to Atlanta shakes up the shortstop market in a big way. With him gone, Bo Bichette now stands as the obvious top free agent at the position, giving him a real edge with teams desperate for an upgrade.

The Detroit Tigers checked in on Kim, but he wanted a one-year deal instead of locking in long-term. That move lets him “bet on himself” for 2026, maybe re-entering free agency next winter with more leverage if he bounces back.

Right now, the Braves come out ahead. They added a defense-first shortstop with upside, took on the luxury-tax hit, and made life harder for the rest of the market—all in one gutsy swing that could matter come October.

 
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