Ha-Seong Kim Becomes Free Agent After Declining $16M Option
BREAKING: Ha-Seong Kim has officially become a free agent after opting out of his $16 million option for the 2026 season on Monday. This significant decision opens the door for multiple teams, including the Atlanta Braves, to pursue the former Gold Glove Award winner in what is shaping up to be a competitive offseason.
The Braves had held exclusive negotiating rights since claiming Kim off waivers from the San Diego Padres on September 1. Now, they must compete with other teams for his services as they prioritize securing a shortstop for the upcoming season.
While Nick Allen provided solid defense, he struggled offensively with a mere .535 OPS. In contrast, Kim posted a .700 OPS for the Padres in 2024, despite limited play due to shoulder surgery and back issues. His performance makes him one of the top shortstop options available, particularly if other free agents like Trevor Story opt to stay with their current teams.
Bo Bichette stands out as a particularly attractive option due to his offensive prowess, but his defensive struggles—ranking last among shortstops with a -10 fielding run value—could push teams like the Braves towards Kim.
Kim’s agent, Scott Boras, is expected to market his client aggressively, potentially leading to a multi-year deal with an average annual value exceeding $20 million. In 2022, Kim hit 11 home runs and achieved a .708 OPS, while in 2023, he recorded 17 homers and a .749 OPS, contributing to a 5.4 bWAR.
The Braves had hoped that Kim’s experience during the final month of the previous season would help them secure him amid interest from other franchises, including the New York Yankees. Should the Yankees pursue Kim, they might consider trading Anthony Volpe, who has faced challenges in his shortstop role but has maintained a bWAR of over 3 in both 2023 and 2024.
As the market develops, all eyes will be on Kim and his potential new contract. The Braves are eager to solidify their infield, and Kim could very well be the key to enhancing their roster for the upcoming season.
Stay tuned for rapid updates as this story unfolds and teams vie for Kim’s talents in what promises to be a thrilling free agency period.
