Due to recent news surrounding Joe Jimenez, Spencer Strider, and Ronald Acuña Jr., finding a long-term answer at shortstop might be put on the back burner this offseason. The Braves have been able to win in spite of Orlando Arcia’s offensive struggles, and he still brings something to the table defensively. Plus, the options available in free agency are scarce.
Willy Adames would be a dream fit, but his price tag of $150+ million is going to be too rich for the Braves’ blood. They don’t have limitless funds like the Dodgers and Mets, and their dollars will be best spent addressing all of their other needs rather than going all-in on one guy. However, one name that hasn’t been talked about much is He-Seong Kim.
The 29-year-old do-it-all utility infielder has opted out of his contract with the Padres and is officially a free agent. MLB Trade Rumors projects he’ll garner a one-year, $12 million deal this winter, a more than palatable figure for a player of his caliber, and at least one of their writers predicts he’ll end up with the Braves.
43. Ha-Seong Kim: One year, $12MM
Tim: Braves / Anthony: Padres / Darragh: White Sox / Steve: Braves
Were it not for the shoulder injury that required surgery that will delay his start to the 2025 season, Kim would have ranked prominently on this list — likely settling into the top 10. The 29-year-old has proven himself a plus defensive player at three infield spots (shortstop, second base, third base), a plus runner (60-for-74 in steals over the past two seasons, 76th percentile sprint speed) and at least an average hitter at the plate. Kim doesn’t have huge over-the-fence power, topping out with 17 homers and sitting between .132 and .138 with his ISO over the past three seasons. However, he has clear gap power, draws plenty of walks (12.1% since Opening Day 2023) and fanned in a career-low 16.4% of his plate appearances this season.
Adding another injured player to the Braves roster that will not be ready for Opening Day may not sound appealing, but it’s also exactly the type of deal Alex Anthopoulos is typically looking for each offseason.
If Ha-Seong Kim were entering free agency with a clean bill of health, he’d be looking at a lucrative multi-year contract, but because he isn’t, he could settle for a one-year deal, improve his value, and enter free agency next year when he’ll still be just 30-years-old.
The Braves also have an ideal replacement for Kim while he heals up in Orlando Arcia, who’s been the starting shortstop for each of the last two seasons. This is really a perfect marriage that almost makes too much sense if no team is willing to overlook Kim’s injury and hand him a multi-year contract.
