The Atlanta Braves’ desire for stability at shortstop has been complicated by the expected move coming to fruition: Ha-Seong Kim has officially opted out of his $16 million contract option for the 2026 season to become an unrestricted free agent.
This decision, made by Kim on Monday, erases the exclusive negotiating leverage the Braves held when they claimed the former Gold Glove Award winner off waivers in September. As noted by analysts, the “thin shortstop market” incentivized Kim to seek a multi-year deal, presenting the Braves with a critical dilemma.
Option 1: Re-signing Ha-Seong Kim (The Ideal)
The Braves still view Kim as the ideal candidate due to his elite defensive track record and familiarity with the team after his brief late-season stint.
- Defensive Fit: Kim is a Gold Glove-caliber defender (winner in 2023) who would instantly stabilize the infield next to Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson.
- Opt-Out Motivation: Kim’s injury-riddled 2025 season meant his slash line was low (.234/.304/.345 with an 82 wRC+ in 48 games total). However, his strong defensive reputation and the weak market are driving his value.
- Contract Speculation: Pundits project Kim’s market value to be significantly higher than his opt-out:
- Low End: 3 years, $45 million (FanGraphs consensus)
- High End: 5 years, $100 million (TWSN Sports) or an AAV exceeding $20 million (David O’Brien).
The Braves are expected to be aggressive in pursuing Kim, as losing him would put them “back to square one” in solving their persistent shortstop issue.
Option 2: Pursuing Jorge Polanco (The Offensive Pivot)
If Kim’s asking price exceeds the Braves’ budget or if he signs elsewhere, Jorge Polanco immediately becomes an “intriguing target” and the best available pivot. This represents a trade-off: offense for defense.
- Offensive Strength: Polanco provides the bat the Braves desperately need at the position. He posted an .821 OPS with 26 home runs and 78 RBIs in 2025, and a wRC+ north of 100 in five of the last seven seasons. He is a proven veteran and a switch-hitter, a major plus for Atlanta.
- Defensive Concerns: Polanco’s primary drawback is his defense at shortstop. He is more naturally suited for second base. Previous scouting reports noted his average arm and below-average range at shortstop, leading to high error totals earlier in his career. The Braves would be acquiring him for his bat and would have to accept a significant defensive drop-off compared to Kim.
- Contract Fit: Polanco, also a free agent after opting out of his Mariners contract, is projected as a short-term, high-AAV solution, which might fit the Braves’ preference for financial flexibility.
The Atlanta Braves must prioritize filling the shortstop void that has been a long-standing offensive problem. Now that both Kim and Polanco are confirmed free agents, which player’s projected contract (years and AAV) provides the Braves with the best balance of value and risk, given the “thin” market?
