Braves Predicted to Sign $33.6 Million Two-Time All-Star Bo Bichette if Ha-Seong Kim Declines Player Option
TLANTA
The Atlanta Braves are entering the 2025-26 offseason with one question that will define their winter strategy: What will Ha-Seong Kim decide?
The veteran infielder holds a $16 million player option for the 2026 season, and his choice could trigger a domino effect that reshapes Atlanta’s infield — and possibly their offense.
According to Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller, if Kim opts out of his deal, the Braves are expected to target Toronto Blue Jays All-Star Bo Bichette as their top replacement.
“Atlanta is patiently waiting to find out whether Ha-Seong Kim will be back in 2026 on his $16 million player option,” Miller wrote. “If he declines it, the Braves become a motivated suitor for Bichette. Even if Kim stays, Atlanta could still pursue Bichette after back-to-back seasons of experiencing the perils of having just no positional depth worth mentioning.”
Why Bo Bichette Fits the Braves
Bichette, 27, would immediately provide a significant offensive boost. In 2025, he slashed .311/.357/.483 with 44 doubles, 18 home runs, and 94 RBIs over 139 games. His bat remains among the most consistent infield weapons in the American League, and his blend of contact and power makes him a perfect fit in a lineup anchored by Ronald Acuña Jr. and Austin Riley.
By contrast, Kim — while elite defensively — was limited to just 48 games this year due to injuries, hitting .235/.304/.345 with five home runs. He remains one of the best gloves in the league, but Atlanta’s lack of depth has become a growing concern.
Bichette is entering the final year of his current deal, worth $33.6 million, and would likely command a similar or higher figure if Atlanta pursued him in free agency or through a trade.
Defense vs. Offense: A Balancing Act
While Bichette’s offensive ceiling is far higher than Kim’s, his defense remains a sticking point. He has consistently ranked among the lower-tier shortstops in defensive metrics, while Kim is a Gold Glove-caliber infielder who brings versatility across shortstop, second, and third base.
That contrast, however, may not be a problem — if the Braves can land both.
Keeping Kim while acquiring Bichette would give Atlanta one of the most dynamic infields in baseball, allowing manager Brian Snitker’s successor to mix and match based on matchups.
“Having both players would give the Braves incredible flexibility,” Miller wrote. “You get the offense of Bichette and the defense of Kim — a combination that could make them favorites again in the NL East.”
The Stakes for Atlanta
If Kim declines his option and tests free agency, the Braves will face a tough decision: pay top dollar to retain him or shift their focus entirely to Bichette. Either move would send a strong message that Atlanta intends to stay in championship contention.
Bichette’s bat could fill a gap that plagued the Braves late in the 2025 season — a lack of consistent middle-order production. Meanwhile, Kim’s defensive leadership would be hard to replace if he walks.
For now, the Braves wait. Kim’s decision will determine whether Atlanta’s offseason revolves around retention or reinvention.
If the front office can find a way to pair both stars, they might just rebuild the most balanced infield in baseball — and put the NL East back in their control.
