Braves predicted to replace Ha-Seong Kim with 2-time World Series MVP, 5-time All-Star

Hunter Cookston

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Braves predicted to replace Ha-Seong Kim with 2-time World Series MVP, 5-time All-Star image

The Atlanta Braves have a lot of question marks surrounding the shortstop position. Everything hinges on Ha-Seong Kim and the decision he’s going to make. One player has the power to put the Braves back into a dreaded dilemma that has lingered since Dansby Swanson left in free agency.

“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.”

It’s becoming increasingly likely that another hole at shortstop will open up, as Kim is projected to enter free agency by opting out of the final year of his contract.

“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,” Braves insider Mark Bowman wrote.

A potential trade target for Atlanta is veteran shortstop Corey Seager, who would be exactly what the Braves are looking for.

“While he’s going to require shipping off some talent, the Braves should be able to leverage the salary they would be taking on to give up fewer players. They could also leverage assets to get the Rangers to retain some salary to avoid taking on all of it,” Smajovitts wrote. “Seager is a two-time World Series MVP, winning his first with the Dodgers in 2020 and his second with the Rangers in 2023. The five-time All-Star had three consecutive seasons with 30 home runs or more from 2022 to 2024. He hit 21 last season, but he only played in 102 games. A healthier season gets him to 30 again.”

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Seager would be an ideal solution at shortstop. Not only would he solidify the position, but his bat would also give the Braves a much-needed boost in the lineup.

Landing Seager could put Atlanta back among the top teams in baseball. While it may seem like a far-fetched idea, GM Alex Anthopoulos is expected to explore shortstop options this winter.

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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.