Braves' $2 million gamble pays off after long-awaited $20M contract decision on Gold Glove winner

Hunter Cookston

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Braves' $2 million gamble pays off after long-awaited $20M contract decision on Gold Glove winner image

Last season, the Atlanta Braves brought in Ha-Seong Kim off waivers after Nick Allen’s production at shortstop began to decline. The move was initially intended to see if Kim could perform well enough over a month-long trial to justify a longer-term role. However, Kim’s performance was so strong that testing free agency became the better option, putting the Braves in a familiar tough situation.

“Because of this thin market, that would incentivise Kim to test the market. For that same reason, it’s even more important that the Braves find a way to retain his services,” wrote SI’s Harrison Smajovits. “If he opts out and signs elsewhere, they could be back to square one with this dilemma. The offense has had its struggles as is, and they have, at least for now, figured out one of the issues.”

On Monday, the Braves successfully brought Kim back to Atlanta on a one-year contract.

“Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is returning to the Atlanta Braves, agreeing Monday to a one-year, $20 million contract that addressed a major offseason priority for the team. Kim gets a $4 million raise. He had declined a $16 million player option that was in the two-year, $29 million contract he signed in February with Tampa Bay, a deal that paid him $13 million. The Braves announced the new deal with Kim on Monday night,” ESPN reported.

The Braves’ $2 million gamble has now turned into their everyday shortstop for the 2026 season.

“Atlanta took a $2 million gamble by trading for him at the trade deadline and it pays off as they re-acquire their starting shortstop,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote.

Kim provides exactly what the Braves have been lacking at the shortstop position over the past few years: a strong bat. He is also a Gold Glove winner, which adds defensive value.

He is an ideal fit for Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos. Kim is aiming for a fully healthy season and hopes to prove himself for next winter as well. While this is only a one-year investment, it wouldn’t be surprising if Atlanta extended him should he have a productive year.

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