THE SHOCKING “SILENT” OFFER
ATLANTA, GA—The Atlanta Braves officially secured their shortstop for 2026, but the baseball world is reeling from a revelation that surfaced just 48 hours after Ha-Seong Kim inked his return. While fans assumed a reunion was inevitable, reports from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic confirm that an “unlikely giant” nearly stole Kim away with a massive long-term commitment.
The suitor? The Oakland Athletics. In a move that stunned executives across the league, the Athletics—historically known for their frugality—reportedly offered Kim a four-year, $48 million contract to be the veteran face of their infield as they transition to their new home.
THE BET: $48M SECURITY VS. $20M RISK
The decision for Kim came down to a classic “Boras Corporation” gamble.
- The Oakland Plan: The A’s viewed Kim as the perfect second-base anchor to pair with young star Jacob Wilson. The $12M annual salary would have been the largest commitment by the franchise in recent memory.
- The Atlanta Choice: Instead of taking the four-year safety net, Kim chose a one-year, $20 million “prove-it” deal with the Braves.
- The Logic: By staying in Atlanta, Kim is betting that a fully healthy 2026 season in the Braves’ powerhouse lineup will allow him to command a $100M+ contract next winter. He effectively turned down $28 million in guaranteed future money to play for a contender.
BY THE NUMBERS: THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF A DEAL
| Metric | The Athletics’ Offer | The Braves’ Winning Bid |
| Total Value | $48 Million | $20 Million |
| Duration | 4 Years | 1 Year |
| Annual Average | $12M | $20M |
| The Role | Face of Franchise / 2B | Starting Shortstop / Contender |
WHY ATLANTA WON OUT
Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos admitted that the relationship built during Kim’s brief 24-game stint in Atlanta at the end of 2025 was the deciding factor. Kim reportedly “fell in love” with the clubhouse culture and the chance to play shortstop—his preferred position—full-time.
“He had multi-year offers on the table from teams looking to build around him,” one insider noted. “But Ha-Seong wanted to win now. He’s taking the short-term hit for the long-term legacy.”
The Braves have had an aggressive week, also adding Mike Yastrzemski and Robert Suarez. With Kim back in the fold, Mauricio Dubón slides into a utility role, giving Atlanta one of the deepest infields in the National League.
