The Atlanta Braves shocked everyone with their waiver pick-up of Ha-Seong Kim on Monday. It's not surprising that the Rays cut ties with him as he's struggled to stay healthy this season. However, they knew the risk when signing him as he was recovering from shoulder surgery.
This was Atlanta's way of hopefully finding a slight upgrade at shortstop for 2026. Like the Rays, this isn't without risk for the Braves. He has a player option valued at $16 million for next season. If he's unable to recover and hit the way he used to, it's a massive bust for them.
However, this is the route Atlanta may have to take. Bo Bichette is going to be very expensive, and we know Alex Anthopoulos hasn't been one to hand out big free agent contracts. Bichette is also not a very dependable defender, and Atlanta very much wants to have a good defensive shortstop if at all possible.
HSK is a former Gold Glove shortstop who has produced as high as a 4.0 WAR during his MLB career. During his three seasons with the Padres from 2022-2024, he slashed .242/.326/.380 with 80 doubles, eight triples, 47 home runs, 78 stolen bases, 200 RBI, and a 98 wRC+.
Ha-Seong Kim drills his first @RaysBaseball homer! pic.twitter.com/5BLUF5Sz78
— MLB (@MLB) July 11, 2025
Instead of waiting for the offseason, the Braves' move to scoop up Ha-Seong Kim looks like a genius move
Kim's ability to make consistent contact and wreak havoc on the base paths is something Atlanta's offense could definitely use. However, there is a lot of risk here. If Kim exercises his player option (why wouldn't he?) the Braves are paying him almost $20 million, and he could end up not being very good.
But it could work for both sides. Kim needs to rebuild his value to get a job in the majors after next season. Atlanta needs a stopgap solution at shortstop until one of their top draft picks is ready to take over. It could be a match made in heaven.
HSK was just activated from the 10-day IL, and if he's able to get healthy and return to form, they got a great pickup from the Rays. He will have a chance over the final month of the season to show Atlanta some optimism about their decision.