The 2025 season is not one that Ha-Seong Kim will want to remember. He started the season with the Tampa Bay Rays, but did not make his season debut until July 3.
The slugger was recovering from shoulder surgery and played his first game of the season in July. However, he would return to the IL in August after experiencing some back troubles.
Late into August, the Rays decided to waive him. That is when the Atlanta Braves came in and claimed him, starting at shortstop the following day, and he was able to find success on offense.
Ha-Seong Kim predicted to sign one-year deal after opting out with the Braves
After the season ended, Ha-Seong Kim had to decide if he wanted to opt out of his contract, which would leave $16 million on the table. He decided that would be the best scenario, and he could potentially get a better deal on the open market.
However, with his injuries and limited time on the field this past season, getting a better deal could be tough. ESPN's Kiley McDaniel believes Kim will have to work on a prove-it deal of one year, $16 million.
"I can see him becoming a 2-win type of player as soon as next season, but that requires some level of imagination. I could see a two-year deal, but a one-year prove-it deal for roughly the terms of his player option feels right."
It may have been better if Kim had stuck with his deal with the Braves, but that is in the past now. He will have to hope that a team sees something special in him and ignores how much time he missed in 2025.
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