The Atlanta Braves, with an eye on strengthening their infield for next season, have claimed Ha-Seong Kim after he was released by the Tampa Bay Rays.
Kim, 29, is able to play both shortstop and second base. He is owed approximately $2 million for the remainder of the 2025 season and another $16 million in 2026.
The player has been on the injured list due to lower back inflammation since August 21, but is expected to join the Braves on Tuesday.
The Braves are looking to improve their performance after a disappointing season, with a 62-75 record before Labor Day, but they hope to compete next year and are willing to invest to close the gap.
The team has had an OPS of .525 from the shortstop position this year, the worst in the league, following the release of Orlando Arcia at the end of May and the offensive struggles of Nick Allen.
Ozzie Albies, second baseman and three-time All-Star, is having his worst offensive season, with a batting average of .234/.303/.350, 13 home runs, and 12 stolen bases in 137 games.
The Braves have consecutive $7 million club options on Albies’ contract after this season.
Kim can choose to terminate her contract at the end of the World Series, but it’s unlikely given her difficulties after shoulder surgery.
Right-handed hitter who can also play third base, Kim established himself as an elite shortstop defender and won the affection of fans while playing for the San Diego Padres. From 2022 to 2024, Kim batted .250/.336/.385 and accumulated 13 wins above replacement according to Baseball-Reference.
In his first season with the Rays, Kim batted .214/.290/.321 with two home runs and five RBIs in 24 games.
Atlanta also activated shortstop Luke Williams from the 10-day injured list before the start of their series against the Chicago Cubs. Right-handed pitcher Rolddy Muñoz was called up from Triple-A Gwinnett, and infielder Austin Riley, who underwent season-ending core surgery last month, was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
