Ha-Seong Kim has officially become a free agent after opting out of his $16 million option for the 2026 season. The decision, made on Monday, opens the door for multiple teams to vie for the talented shortstop, including the Atlanta Braves, who had previously held exclusive negotiating rights following their claim of Kim off waivers from the San Diego Padres on September 1.
The Braves have prioritized securing a shortstop this offseason. While they benefitted from solid defense at the position from Nick Allen, who provided Gold Glove-caliber play, his offensive production fell short with a .535 on-base plus slugging (OPS). In contrast, Kim recorded a .700 OPS during the 2024 season, despite missing a significant portion of the 2023 season due to shoulder surgery and back discomfort. His performance positions him as one of the best available shortstops, particularly if Trevor Story decides to exercise his option to remain with the Boston Red Sox.
Currently, Bo Bichette stands out as the most appealing free agent shortstop due to his offensive capabilities. However, he faced challenges defensively, finishing last among shortstops with a -10 fielding run value in the past season. This scenario enhances Kim’s marketability, as his agent, Scott Boras, can present him as the top free-agent shortstop on the market. Given Kim’s past success, including 11 home runs and a .708 OPS in 2022, he could command a multi-year deal with an average annual value of at least $20 million.
In 2023, Kim hit 17 home runs and achieved a .749 OPS while contributing a 5.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) for the Padres. His versatility was evident as he mainly played second base that season, earning him the prestigious Gold Glove Award.
The Braves hoped that Kim’s experience at the end of the previous season could influence his decision to join them over other contenders, including the New York Yankees. Should the Yankees pursue Kim or other shortstop options, Anthony Volpe might become a target for the Braves. Despite struggling as New York’s shortstop in recent years, Volpe recorded over 3.0 bWAR in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, suggesting potential upside.
As the offseason unfolds, the competition for Ha-Seong Kim is set to intensify, and the Braves will need to act swiftly to secure his services.
