CHICAGO — The Atlanta Braves claimed Ha-Seong Kim off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays, a bold, high-upside addition that hinges on health and long-term potential. A former Gold Glove winner, Kim showed defensive versatility that makes him an intriguing fit as Atlanta retools its infield as it eyes 2026.
Kim, who turns 30 next month, has battled injuries since late 2024, including shoulder surgery in August 2024 and back inflammation this season. He is set to come off the injured list and join the Braves in Chicago for the second game of their series with the Cubs. To make room on the roster, Atlanta moved third baseman Austin Riley from the 10-day to the 60-day injured list, a procedural move since Riley is out for the season after sports hernia surgery.
The Braves will pay roughly $2 million of Kim’s remaining $13 million salary for the rest of this season, while Tampa Bay did not want to shoulder the $16 million option for 2026 if Kim exercises it. The five-year veteran is especially valued for his defense, with shortstop emerging as a strong possibility given the team’s need after relying on Nick Allen at the position this season. Allen’s numbers have been a concern, as he hit .221 with no homers and a .534 OPS in 127 games before Monday, leaving the Braves seeking a higher-ceiling option at short.
Kim’s offensive track record includes a .250 batting average and a .721 OPS over recent seasons, with roughly 26 doubles and about 15 homers per 162 games from 2022 through 2024 while with the San Diego Padres. In 2023, he posted 17 homers and 60 RBIs with a .749 OPS and 107 OPS+, finishing 14th in NL MVP balloting. He split time among second (the position where he earned a Gold Glove in 2023), shortstop and third base, with 106 games at second, 32 at third and 20 at short that season. Across 2022-2024, FanGraphs credits him with roughly 10.5 WAR. Before moving to the United States, Kim spent seven seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization, including multiple 20-homer campaigns and a final season with 30 homers and 109 RBIs in 138 games.
Kim’s arrival gives the Braves a defensive backbone and a hedge against injuries, with the option to evaluate him over the next month to determine his fit long-term, including the possibility of him starting at short on Opening Day in 2026 if his health rebounds and performance follows suit. The deal also reflects Atlanta’s willingness to take a calculated risk on a former high-upside player whose defensive value could offset any offensive limitations, at least in the short term.
Additional context: the move comes as the Braves circle a potential strategic shift at shortstop, and it underscores general manager decisions about balancing payroll, long-term options, and immediate needs during a season that has included roster tinkering due to injuries.
Summary: Atlanta added Ha-Seong Kim off waivers, betting on his defensive versatility and upside while weighing his health and a potential 2026 option. He will join the team in Chicago for the series against the Cubs, with a month-long evaluation ahead to gauge his fit as a possible long-term shortstop option. A hopeful note for Braves fans is that, if Kim can stay healthy and regain form, this could be a cost-efficient upgrade that strengthens Atlanta’s infield defense for years to come.