Braves to lose $16M 4-time Gold Glover to free agency, forcing must-win bidding war, says insider

Hunter Cookston

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Braves to lose $16M 4-time Gold Glover to free agency, forcing must-win bidding war, says insider image

The Atlanta Braves appear to be going all in this offseason, especially after how last season ended. While the team still needs to name a new manager, the bigger priority quickly shifts to the shortstop position. The Braves are making an effort to retain Ha-Seong Kim, who expressed his enjoyment during his time in Atlanta.

“It was great. I enjoyed it in Tampa Bay, but I think I had more fun and enjoyed playing baseball in Atlanta. I'm sorry I kept feeling unwell and in pain in Tampa Bay,” Kim said.

His comments could be a promising sign for Atlanta, particularly when it comes to keeping him in a Braves uniform.

“Kim's decision will alter the trajectory of the entire offseason. While his non-committal answer could seem like bad news for fans hoping for his return, his praise of Atlanta could mean that location might factor into his decision to return,” wrote HTHB’s Mitchell Barbee.

However, according to Braves insider Mark Bowman, this situation is shaping up to be a competitive free agency battle.

“Kim is expected to decline his $16 million option for the 2026 season and become a commodity on what will be a thin free-agent market for shortstops,” Bowman wrote.

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The challenge for Atlanta becomes much greater if Kim isn’t extended before hitting free agency, leaving a major gap at shortstop.

“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.”

The Braves are in a dangerous position if they fail to bring Kim back. With shortstop likely headed to free agency, the situation is quickly becoming more complicated than expected.

General Manager Alex Anthopoulos will have his hands full addressing the hole at shortstop. The Braves will need to do whatever it takes to win the bidding war for Kim.

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Hunter Cookston

Hunter Cookston began his career as a sportswriter for the Marion Tribune, where he covered local high school football, basketball and baseball. His passion for sports started at the age of four when he played his first year of tee ball. Growing up in Tennessee, he developed a deep love for the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves. Hunter is currently attending Tennessee Wesleyan University, where he is pursuing a BA in Sports Communications/Management.