The Atlanta Braves shook things up this week, grabbing veteran infielder Ha-Seong Kim to give their middle infield a boost. Claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays, Kim jumped right in—he started at shortstop just a day after the move and hit sixth in the lineup against the Chicago Cubs.
Braves manager Brian Snitker says Kim will handle shortstop duties almost every day. Atlanta fans will probably see a lot of the 29-year-old as the club pushes through the late-season stretch.
Ha-Seong Kim’s Journey to the Braves
Kim’s arrival in Atlanta is part of a busy roster shuffle. The Braves claimed him on Monday from Tampa Bay, where injuries had really limited his 2024 season.
He spent much of the year sidelined with lower back inflammation, but Kim’s history shows he can bring both defensive steadiness and some offensive spark when he’s feeling good.
To make room for Kim, Atlanta made a few other moves too. The club promoted left-hander Hayden Harris from Triple-A Gwinnett, placed outfielder Jurickson Profar on the paternity list, and designated right-hander Wander Suero for assignment.
Career Background and Statistical Snapshot
Since making his Major League Baseball debut with the San Diego Padres in 2021, Kim has built a reputation as a versatile, high-IQ infielder. He’s the kind of player who just seems to impact the game in all sorts of ways.
Over four seasons with San Diego, he put up a .242 batting average, 47 home runs, 200 RBIs, and 78 stolen bases. That mix of power and speed is something Atlanta’s hoping to tap into as they chase a strong finish to 2024.
Before joining the Braves, Kim got into just 24 games for the Rays this year, hitting .214 with two home runs and five RBIs. Tampa Bay signed him in February to a two-year, $29 million deal—there’s a $16 million player option for 2025—but injuries and roster crunches made him available on waivers.
Impact on the Braves’ Infield
Kim’s addition comes at a pretty key moment for the Braves. A steady shortstop can really help lock down the defense, especially as the team tries to keep errors to a minimum and get the most out of their infield.
With Kim around, the Braves can shuffle other infielders as needed. That flexibility could come in handy for matchups and giving guys a break.
What Kim Brings to the Table
Kim’s skillset is well-rounded:
- Defensive strength: He’s got a sure glove, quick first step, and a strong arm—definitely an asset up the middle.
- Speed: With 78 career steals, he’s a threat to run, whether it’s a hit-and-run or just swiping a bag.
- Pop from the right side: He’s not a classic power hitter, but Kim can deliver clutch extra-base hits and the occasional homer.
Manager Brian Snitker plans to use Kim almost every day, which says a lot about his confidence in how Kim fits the team. The Braves have a knack for getting the most out of their players, so maybe Kim’s game takes off in Atlanta’s offense-friendly environment.
Looking Ahead
Kim says he’s feeling good and ready to help his new teammates as they chase the playoffs. The Braves, already in the mix, see this move as more than just a quick fix—it could pay off next season too, given that player option in his contract.
Potential for a Strong Finish
If Kim can stay healthy and play like he did in San Diego, Atlanta might have found a midseason gem. They didn’t have to give up any prospects or big assets for him, either.
His adaptability and postseason experience could end up being huge as the Braves chase another deep October run. Kim’s professionalism also brings something extra to the clubhouse.
For Braves fans, picking up Ha-Seong Kim isn’t just another waiver claim. It’s a real shot of energy from a versatile, proven player who might make a serious impact right away—and maybe down the line too.
As the season goes on, everyone’s probably wondering how fast he’ll fit in with his new teammates. There’s also curiosity about the way his presence might shape Atlanta’s playoff push.
Here is the source article for this story: Ha-Seong Kim joins the Braves and starts at shortstop in his first game with his new team
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