Atlanta Braves shortstop Kim Ha-seong makes a throw to first base throughout a Main League Baseball regular-season recreation towards the Pittsburgh Pirates at Truist Park in Atlanta, Sept. 27. AP-Yonhap
Free agent infielder Kim Ha-seong is reportedly returning to the Atlanta Braves on a one-year contract.
Citing a supply, MLB.com reported Monday (U.S. native time) that Kim had signed a $20 million deal to play another season for the Braves, after spending the late parts of the 2025 season with them.
Kim, 30, grew to become a free agent after declining his $16 million participant possibility with the Braves for 2026. That possibility was a part of a two-year contract he had signed with the Tampa Bay Rays as a free agent earlier than the 2025 season.
Coming off a shoulder surgical procedure late final yr, Kim did not make his Rays debut till July. Then as soon as he returned to the sector, Kim handled calf and again accidents and was restricted to solely 24 video games. He solely batted .214/.290/.321 with two homers and 5 RBIs earlier than the Rays waived him.
The Braves, searching for a productive shortstop, snatched him up at first of September. Kim went on to bat .253/.316/.368 with three homers and 12 RBIs in 24 video games for his new workforce, and put collectively a season-best 10-game hitting streak whereas taking part in his usually sturdy protection.
Kim performed for the San Diego Padres from 2021 to 2014. He loved his finest season in 2023, when he established profession highs with 17 residence runs and 38 steals, whereas nabbing a Gold Glove award on the utility spot — changing into the primary Asian infielder to win the celebrated defensive prize.
Primarily a shortstop, Kim has performed third base and second base all through his large league profession, although the Braves used him solely as their shortstop.
Coming off an unproductive, injury-plagued season, Kim apparently was not in a position to command the sort of profitable provide that he had hoped within the open market and has as an alternative determined to wager on himself for a giant 2026 season earlier than hitting free company once more.
