Scott Boras Sparks Shockwaves by Calling Ha-Seong Kim the Only ‘True Elite Shortstop’ in a Weak Free-Agent Market.vc
With MLB teams scrambling for quality shortstops, Scott Boras detonated the offseason with a bold claim that Ha-Seong Kim is “the only true elite option.” His statement instantly intensified the bidding war for HSK across the league.
LAS VEGAS — In a classic display of power and market-setting, super-agent Scott Boras “sparked shockwaves” at the MLB General Managers’ Meetings, drawing a clear line in the sand for the 2026 free-agent class.
With a “weak” crop of available shortstops, Boras “detonated” the Hot Stove by anointing his client, Ha-Seong Kim, as the singular prize for teams prioritizing defense.
Speaking to reporters, Boras made his “bold claim,” a strategic move designed to “instantly intensify the bidding war” for the 30-year-old infielder.
“Kim Ha-seong is a ‘hot song’ on the shortstop chart. There is no doubt,” Boras declared. “Opportunities to find a defensively outstanding shortstop on the current market are extremely rare. If you are looking for a premium defensive shortstop, that is Kim Ha-seong.”
In a market where one baseball executive said teams are “scrambling” for infield stability, Boras framed his client not just as an option, but as the “only true elite option” for the position.
A Market-of-One
Boras’s statement is a “masterclass” in leveraging a “weak free-agent market.” The 2026 free-agent shortstop class is notoriously thin. The only other top-tier name is Bo Bichette, a two-time All-Star.
Boras’s “shockwave” statement was a direct, strategic shot at the competition. While Bichette is known as a superior offensive player, his defensive metrics have been a “major question mark” for teams.
By contrast, Boras is selling Kim on his 2023 Gold Glove and his proven, “premium” defensive ability at three different infield spots. He is creating a “market-of-one,” forcing teams to make a choice:
“Do you want a bat-first player you hope can play shortstop, or do you want a true elite shortstop?”
The claim comes after Kim, who turned 30 in October, officially opted out of his $16 million player option with the Atlanta Braves. After an injury-plagued start to 2025 with the Rays, Kim was claimed by Atlanta and had a “strong, healthy” final month, proving his readiness for a major multi-year contract.
The Atlanta Braves “strongly desire” to re-sign Kim, but Boras’s comments have now publicly “intensified the bidding war,” putting the rest of the league on notice that the price for the market’s “only true elite shortstop” has just gone up.
