UPDATE: Scott Boras Confirms Ha-Seong Kim Will Explore Open Market, Leaving Braves to Compete for Shortstop.vc

(ATLANTA / LAS VEGAS) — The Atlanta Braves’ best-case scenario for solving their crucial shortstop vacancy has officially dissolved into a high-stakes bidding war. After opting out of his remaining $16 million contract for 2026, Gold Glove winner UPDATE: Scott Boras Confirms Ha-Seong Kim Will Explore Open Market, Leaving Braves to Compete for Shortstop

(ATLANTA / LAS VEGAS) — The Atlanta Braves’ best-case scenario for solving their crucial shortstop vacancy has officially dissolved into a high-stakes bidding war. After opting out of his remaining $16 million contract for 2026, Gold Glove winner Ha-Seong Kim is following the clear direction of his agent, Scott Boras, and will fully explore the open market for a long-term, multi-year deal.

The move leaves the Braves, who acquired Kim late in the 2025 season, with no exclusive negotiating rights, forcing General Manager Alex Anthopoulos (AA) into a competitive frenzy for his most pressing roster need.

The Boras Factor: “A Hot Song on the Shortstop Chart”

Speaking from the MLB GM Meetings, Scott Boras has already launched a full-scale campaign to market his client, leveraging the fact that the 30-year-old Kim is arguably the most desirable defensive shortstop available this winter.

Boras praised his client, stating: “Kim Ha-seong is a ‘hot song’ on the shortstop chart. There is no doubt. 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.”

Kim’s decision to forgo the guaranteed $16 million salary was a clear bet on his value, which was boosted by a strong final month with the Braves after struggling with injuries for much of 2025 in Tampa Bay. Kim is seeking security and a contract that will surpass the short-term, injury-discounted two-year deal he previously signed.

The Braves’ Dilemma

While the Braves are in a position to re-sign Kim—AA himself was quoted as being eager to “get it done”—the presence of Boras, combined with a thin shortstop market, complicates the process immensely.

• AA’s Comfort Zone: Anthopoulos is notoriously hesitant to commit to long-term, high-dollar deals, especially when facing intense competition. Boras’s goal is to secure a contract projecting in the range of three years and $48 to $60 million for Kim, a price point the Braves may have to reach, despite Kim’s less-than-stellar overall 2025 offensive statistics (.234 AVG, .649 OPS).
• Unique Market: With defensive-liability Bo Bichette being the only other high-profile name, Kim’s ability to play multiple infield positions at an elite level makes him uniquely valuable, giving Boras maximum leverage.

The move leaves the Braves, who acquired Kim late in the 2025 season, with no exclusive negotiating rights, forcing General Manager Alex Anthopoulos (AA) into a competitive frenzy for his most pressing roster need.

The Boras Factor: “A Hot Song on the Shortstop Chart”

Speaking from the MLB GM Meetings, Scott Boras has already launched a full-scale campaign to market his client, leveraging the fact that the 30-year-old Kim is arguably the most desirable defensive shortstop available this winter.

Boras praised his client, stating: “Kim Ha-seong is a ‘hot song’ on the shortstop chart. There is no doubt. 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.”

Kim’s decision to forgo the guaranteed $16 million salary was a clear bet on his value, which was boosted by a strong final month with the Braves after struggling with injuries for much of 2025 in Tampa Bay. Kim is seeking security and a contract that will surpass the short-term, injury-discounted two-year deal he previously signed.

The Braves’ Dilemma

While the Braves are in a position to re-sign Kim—AA himself was quoted as being eager to “get it done”—the presence of Boras, combined with a thin shortstop market, complicates the process immensely.

• AA’s Comfort Zone: Anthopoulos is notoriously hesitant to commit to long-term, high-dollar deals, especially when facing intense competition. Boras’s goal is to secure a contract projecting in the range of three years and $48 to $60 million for Kim, a price point the Braves may have to reach, despite Kim’s less-than-stellar overall 2025 offensive statistics (.234 AVG, .649 OPS).
• Unique Market: With defensive-liability Bo Bichette being the only other high-profile name, Kim’s ability to play multiple infield positions at an elite level makes him uniquely valuable, giving Boras maximum leverage.

The Braves now face the painful reality of competing against other teams, like the Yankees or Red Sox, who are equally desperate for middle infield help. AA’s desire to reunite with Kim will be fiercely tested in the coming weeks.