Ha-Seong Kim's deal with the Braves tagged as a big overpay

Jared Bloom

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Ha-Seong Kim's deal with the Braves tagged as a big overpay image

The Atlanta Braves are coming off one of their worst seasons in quite some time. They finished with a 76-86 record, missing the postseason.

Now, the front office has its eyes set on putting a better product on the field. They have already filled a few holes, like signing Raisel Iglesias, Robert Suarez, and Ha-Seong Kim, but there is still much to be done. 

Atlanta could use an upgrade at third base or a power bat in the middle of the lineup. So, don't be surprised if they get aggressive over the next few weeks. 

Ha-Seong Kim's deal with the Braves tagged as a big overpay 

While Atlanta has filled some holes, it does not mean they were all good deals. Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly tagged Kim's one-year, $20 million contract as a massive overpay. 

"The Braves likely paid a bit of a premium so that they only had to commit to one year with Kim. But don't fall into the trap of thinking there's no such thing as a bad one-year deal, particularly when Atlanta signed Kim over potentially making a play for Bo Bichette."

Kelly believes some of that money could have been used to acquire a higher-named free agent on the open market. Bo Bichette is still looking for a new opportunity, but will be shifting over to second base in 2026.

Atlanta likely felt more comfortable offering Kim a short-term deal instead of seeing what it would take to sign Bichette.

Now, the front office will likely turn its attention to the pitching market. They could use another frontline starter to help bolster the rotation in a tough NL East. Don't be surprised if they reach a deal with someone like Chris Bassitt or Mitch Keller over the next few weeks. 

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Staff Writer