Korean shortstop Ha-Seong Kim returns to the Braves with a $20 million one-year deal

Today, the Atlanta Braves confirmed that Korean infielder Ha-Seong Kim is back with the team under a one-year $20 million contract.

At 30 years old, Kim entered free agency after opting out of his $16 million player option for 2026, included in the two-year contract he agreed to with the Tampa Bay Rays last offseason. The Braves acquired Kim via waiver claim on September 1.

The 2025 season was a frustrating one for the Korean player. After undergoing surgery in October of the previous year to repair a torn right shoulder labrum, his debut with the Rays was delayed until July. He then played through a right calf strain during July and was placed on the injured list twice due to back injuries.

Kim appeared in only 48 games during the entire year, posting a batting line of .234/.304/.345 with 5 home runs, and recorded a defensive "outs created" value of minus 3.

This season’s performance was an outlier compared to his usual play, especially on defense. The shortstop signed a four-year contract with the San Diego Padres in December 2020 after spending seven years in the Korean league before joining MLB. Over those four years, Kim compiled a .242/.326/.380 batting line across 540 games, hitting 47 home runs and stealing 78 bases.

Kim’s best career season came in 2023, when he set personal records in home runs, stolen bases, and OPS, earning a Gold Glove as a utility player. In 2024, the Padres made Kim their full-time shortstop, despite having signed former Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts to a long-term contract in December 2022.