Braves Face Shortstop Crossroads — Ha-Seong Kim Emerges as the Key to Atlanta’s Offseason.vc
ATLANTA —
It’s no secret that the Atlanta Braves have a glaring hole at shortstop — and this offseason, that vacancy might define everything the front office does.
Nick Allen provided stellar defense in 2025, but his struggles at the plate left a noticeable void in Atlanta’s lineup. When Ha-Seong Kim arrived midseason, everything changed. Kim not only stabilized the infield but brought energy, consistency, and clutch hitting — quickly becoming a clubhouse favorite and a fan favorite alike.
Now, the Braves’ biggest challenge is keeping him.
Ha-Seong Kim’s Future — and the Scott Boras Factor
Kim’s success in Atlanta has created an unexpected dilemma: he may decline his $16 million player option for 2026, opting instead to test free agency. For a player represented by Scott Boras, that decision could spark an intense bidding war.
League insiders suggest the Braves are eager to retain Kim — but doing so will likely require a top-dollar commitment. After years of relying on team-friendly extensions and internal depth, general manager Alex Anthopoulos now faces a rare high-stakes negotiation with one of baseball’s toughest agents.
“Ha-Seong Kim was a revelation,” said one NL executive. “He changed the tone of that clubhouse. If the Braves want him back, they’ll have to pay market value — and that market is going up fast.”
The Market Reality: Bichette Sets the Bar
The latest Bleacher Report projections paint a clear picture of the cost. Analyst Joel Reuter predicts Bo Bichette — another elite shortstop option — will command a seven-year, $180 million contract, averaging over $25 million annually.
While Bichette’s bat remains elite, his defensive metrics — including a -12 DRS and -13 OAA in 2025 — raise serious concerns for a defense-focused organization like Atlanta. By contrast, Kim offers strong two-way value, with elite fielding and solid offensive output.
That comparison strengthens Atlanta’s argument for pursuing Kim as their cornerstone shortstop rather than chasing a more expensive, defensively risky name.
Finding Common Ground
If Kim opts out, insiders believe a three-year, $65 million contract — with a player option for a fourth year — could be enough to convince him to stay in Atlanta. Such a deal would balance fair market value with flexibility for both sides, keeping the Braves competitive while rewarding Kim for his breakout performance.
“Kim fits this team’s DNA — defense, discipline, and quiet leadership,” one Braves insider said. “They can’t afford to lose that.”
The Stakes for Atlanta
Atlanta’s recent history with high-profile free agents has been uneven, but this situation feels different. The need is clear, the fit is perfect, and the player already understands what it means to wear the “A.”
With the Braves seeking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign, retaining Ha-Seong Kim could be the defining move of the offseason — the one that stabilizes the infield and sets the tone for another championship push.
Because sometimes, the smartest play isn’t chasing a star — it’s keeping the one you already have.
