Braves predicted to replace Ha-Seong Kim with World Series MVP, Gold Glove in Matt Olson style move

Hunter Cookston

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Braves predicted to replace Ha-Seong Kim with World Series MVP, Gold Glove in Matt Olson style move image

The Atlanta Braves enter the offseason with many questions about how their roster will look next year. The team has opportunities to make significant changes or keep things relatively the same. The most crucial position is shortstop, with Ha-seong Kim playing a central role for Atlanta.

“Because of this thin market, that would incentivize 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.”

According to the latest update, Kim is expected to opt out of his current contract and elect free agency.

“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.

If Kim moves on, the Braves could pursue a trade with the Houston Astros for young star Jeremy Peña.

“Peña brings a World Series MVP and a Gold Glove to the table. He comes in three years younger than Seager and at a much more affordable rate. He made just over $4 million last year and would be under club control until after the 2027 season. A sign and extend could be on the table here,” Smajovits wrote. “Getting Carlos Correa back and having Isaac Paredes as an option could make it easier to move on from Peña.”

If the Braves can pull off a trade for Peña and extend him right away, it would be a carbon copy of what they did with Matt Olson. The Braves are trying to find the right fit to lock down the shortstop position.

Peña has an excellent glove and a better bat than what Atlanta has seen over the last two seasons, making this a promising deal. The only remaining question is which prospects or talents Atlanta would have to give up.

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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.