The Atlanta Braves are trying to make a big turnaround after a brutal 2025 season. But, amid the losing season, the Braves found a diamond in the rough. Ha-Seong Kim was cut by the Tampa Bay Rays and came to Atlanta, where and played great for the Braves.
The Braves want to bring him back now that he's a free agent, but with his status as one of the best shortstops, it could be difficult to re-sign him. However, the Braves did get some good news amid a recent contract update for Kim.
Kiley McDaniel of ESPN made updated contract projections for different free agents, and for Kim, a $16 million deal over one year is good news for the Braves.
Ha-Seong Kim's contract projection is good news for Braves
"Kim turned down a $16 million player option earlier this offseason to hit the open market," McDaniel writes, "and I'm guessing that's roughly what he'll end up with, though maybe with more incentives and maybe an option."
While Kim declined his $16 million player option from the Braves, the fact that McDaniel doesn't project his deal to be any more than his $16 million, aside from some extra incentives and a 2027 option, is good news for the Braves.
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If Kim isn't going to land a multi-year deal this winter, the Braves' interest, and Kim's familiarity with the organization, is a leg-up on the competition in signing one of the best shortstops this offseason.
Kim is 30 years old and might not be able to get back to his San Diego Padres version of himself, but he's worth taking the chance on. Since 2025 was the first year coming back from injury, 2026 could be the season he's truly healthy.
With the Braves' interest in Kim and McDaniel projecting his contract not to eclipse the $16 million threshold by much, if at all, then the Braves have already shown their willingness to bring back Kim at that price with his 2026 player option.
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