Shortstop Showdown: Re-Sign Ha-Seong Kim or Risk a $200M Bichette Bust? Experts Issue Dire Warning.vc
Atlanta, October 29, 2025 – The Atlanta Braves’ 2025 was a rough ride: A 76-86 skid, injuries to Acuña and Strider, and a shortstop carousel that ranked 24th in MLB wRC+ (75). But as free agency looms, one name screams “stay”: Ha-Seong Kim. The 31-year-old Korean phenom’s +15 DRS, .268/.338/.424 slash, and Gold Glove caliber glove make him the no-brainer re-signing over Toronto’s Bo Bichette, whose $200M price tag and defensive woes could torpedo Atlanta’s budget. With Kim’s extension deadline five days post-World Series (potentially November 5), GM Alex Anthopoulos has weeks to act—or watch rivals like the Phillies poach him. Braves insiders warn: Prioritize Kim’s value over Bichette’s flash, or risk a nightmarish infield implosion. Atlanta, the clock’s ticking—re-sign the shortstop savant or regret it.
Kim’s 2025 Case: The Defensive Dynamo Deserving $90M
Kim’s 2025 was quiet excellence: .268 average, .338 OBP, .424 SLG, 10 HRs, 52 RBIs in 140 games, a 98 wRC+ that ranked 12th among shortstops. But his glove stole shows: +15 DRS, 85th-percentile arm strength, and 12 Outs Above Average, anchoring a Braves infield that saved 25 runs. “Ha-Seong’s not flashy—he’s flawless,” manager Brian Snitker (pre-retirement) gushed. His versatility (SS/2B/3B) and .800 OPS vs. LHP fit Truist’s confines, with a 2.5 WAR projection for 2026.
Free agency beckons, but the Braves hold leverage: Kim’s $7M salary and mutual extension interest. HTHB’s Chase Owens proposes 4 years, $90M ($22.5M AAV)—a steal vs. Trea Turner’s $27M. “Can Anthopoulos seal it before the Mets call?” Owens asked. On X, #ReSignKim trends: “+15 DRS for $22M? No-brainer!”
Bichette’s Temptation: $200M Power, But a Defensive Disaster?
Bo Bichette dazzles: .311/.387/.483, 134 wRC+, 20 SBs in 2025’s second half. At 28, his switch-hitting pop tempts as Dansby Swanson’s .244 slump (1.2 WAR) drags. But the warning? Deafening. Injuries (PCL sprain) and defensive lapses (-5 OAA) blunt his bat, projecting $200M over 8 years ($25M AAV). “Bichette’s offense shines, but his glove glares,” SI’s Harrison Smajovits warned. “Net negative at short? Pass—for opportunity cost alone.”
| Player | 2025 AVG/OBP/SLG | DRS | WAR | Projected AAV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ha-Seong Kim | .268/.338/.424 | +15 | 2.8 | $22.5M (4 yrs, $90M) |
| Bo Bichette | .311/.387/.483 | -5 | 3.5 | $25M (8 yrs, $200M) |
The Stakes: Trade Deadline Echoes and Extension Urgency
Kim’s deadline is tight: Five days post-World Series (November 5 max), with Phillies, Mets, and Yankees circling. Anthopoulos’ history—re-signing Riley ($212M)—screams yes, but Bichette’s allure risks payroll bloat ($180M projected). “Kim’s the smart play—defense wins divisions,” Owens urged. A $90M extension secures him through 2029, freeing cash for rotation arms like Shane Bieber.
On X, fans split: “Kim’s glove > Bichette’s bat—#ReSignKim!” vs. “$200M Bo? Rings over range!” one poll hit 10K votes.
Conclusion
Ha-Seong Kim isn’t a splash—he’s a staple. Re-sign him for $90M, and the Braves’ infield steels for 90+ wins. Chase Bichette’s $200M dream? A dire mistake. Anthopoulos, heed the warning: Kim’s the key to chopping in 2026. Atlanta, your shortstop savior awaits—seal the deal.
