Ha-Seong Kim expected to fill a huge offensive hole for the Braves

Jared Bloom

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Ha-Seong Kim expected to fill a huge offensive hole for the Braves image

The Atlanta Braves had a shortstop problem for much of the year last year. Nick Allen was not much of an offensive threat, leading to the club acquiring Ha-Seong Kim off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays. 

While coming off a year where he had shoulder surgery, he was more efficient than Allen at the plate. But Kim would head to the open market when the season came to an end. 

Still needing to fill their hole at shortstop, Atlanta went out and re-signed Kim. The two sides agreed on a one-year, $20 million contract for the 2026 season. 

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Ha-Seong Kim expected to fill a huge offensive hole for the Braves 

Now that Kim is back with the club, the front office can breathe a bit easier. They now have their shortstop for the 2026 season, while other teams are still searching for theirs. 

Kim will come into the new season healthy and should continue where he left off last season. ESPN's David Schoenfield believes he will play a huge role as far as offense goes next season. 

"What to expect in 2026? If he hits like he did in 2024 (.233/.330/.370), that's still about a 30-run improvement over what the Braves received from their 2025 shortstops. That's about three wins of new offense."

Now, it is on the rest of the offense to stay healthy and produce. 

Do not expect the front office to sit by and remain quiet through the rest of the winter. They have a few more holes they will need to fill now that Kim has signed. 

They could still use another pitcher to pair behind Chris Sale and Spencer Strider. On top of that, they could also use another designated hitter with Marcell Ozuna on the open market.

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