Most Atlanta Braves fans probably thought they had heard the last of Ha-Seong Kim, and with good reason. Kim missed a lot of time with what was a genuinely severe finger injury, but he was also one of the worst players in baseball when he was on the field. It was a sad end to a failed signing, and you would think that would be the end of it. You would be wrong.
The GM meetings are this week, and we are starting to hear more and more rumors as to what players teams are (or are not) targeting at the moment. Predictably, it has largely been radio silence with the Braves thus far since Alex Anthopoulos operates in the shadows. However, word has gotten out pretty quickly that the Phillies are looking to solve their ongoing situation at shortstop, and one name they are apparently targeting is Kim.
No, seriously.
According to sources, the Phillies are eyeing free-agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim.
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) November 9, 2026
More from Jim Salisbury: https://t.co/juYrysMqaN
Phillies targeting Ha-Seong Kim absolutely reeks of desperation, and it shows Braves' commanding position
Now, the Braves can't say TOO much here, as they don't have a shortstop at all right now. Sure, they have help coming from the minor leagues, but players like Tate Southisene and Alex Lodise still need time to develop. Until Atlanta signs Mauricio Dubon or brings in someone else, they only have so much room to talk.
That said, that the Phillies are actively looking at Kim to play shortstop when they have Trea Turner, who they gave an 11-year, $300 million contract, signed through the 2033 season is hysterically funny. Yes, Turner has given the Braves fits over the years, and yes, he is going to do something that ruins the Braves' day at least once a season. However, the fact that they have Turner coming off a season so bad on both sides of the ball that they are considering signing the ghost of Ha-Seong Kim is high comedy.
One thing that we all can agree on is that Kim is even in the conversation shows just how bad the shortstop market is this offseason. That is going to be something Atlanta will have to reckon with if Dubon is lured away to sign with another team. However, it is probably safe to say they won't be signing Kim again...which is apparently something the Phillies can say right now.
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