The Atlanta Braves have made it clear who their biggest offseason target is: Ha-Seong Kim. Claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays, Kim was initially expected to simply return to Atlanta, but he has played himself into a potential payday.

“In a savvy move Anthopoulos claimed Ha-Seong Kim from the Rays to play out the season’s final month with Atlanta. The move came with risk as the often-injured Kim had a player option for $16 million in 2026. However, Kim played so well in his 24 games with Atlanta that him declining that option and testing free agent feels like the road we are headed down,” HTHB’s Chase Owens wrote.

Recently arriving back home, Kim was questioned at the airport about his future. He confirmed that the Braves and he have been in contract talks.

“On his option and what he’s going to do: ‘I don’t know. I think I’ll have to talk to my agent, and I don’t know anything about my future.’ Confirms that Atlanta was ‘making some movements’ on a contract for 2026, but declines to go into specifics,” Braves Today’s Lindsay Crosby posted.

Kim may have also hinted at a return to Atlanta when comparing his experiences there with his previous stop.

“It was great. I enjoyed it in Tampa Bay, but I think I had more fun and enjoyed playing baseball in Atlanta. I’m sorry I kept feeling unwell and in pain in Tampa Bay,” Kim said.

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He could also be making one of his pitches known.

“Kim’s decision will alter the trajectory of the entire offseason. While his non-committal answer could seem like bad news for fans hoping for his return, his praise of Atlanta could mean that location might factor into his decision to return,” HTHB’s Mitchell Barbee wrote.

The Braves clearly want Kim back in their uniform, but it will ultimately depend on the financial terms. There is no doubt he enjoyed his time in Atlanta, but at the end of the day, some level of satisfaction on the contract front must be met.

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