The Atlanta Braves haven’t been close to the playoffs in quite some time, but they’re already laying the groundwork for next season.

One of their most recent moves was taking a chance on shortstop Ha-Seong Kim in an effort to solidify the position for 2026 — a move that could also save them money in free agency. In just his second game, Kim did something no other Braves shortstop had done in nearly a year.
“That 3-run HR from Ha-Seong Kim is the first home run by a Braves shortstop this year … and the first since Orlando Arcia did it on September 20, 2024 against the Marlins,” 680 The Fan posted.

The Braves acquired Kim with the belief that he wouldn’t opt out of his current deal and that they could bring him back next season.

“Atlanta wouldn’t have taken the gamble of claiming Ha-Seong Kim off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays if they weren’t certain that Kim would not opt out of the $16 million remaining in his contract for 2026,” wrote USA Today’s Bob Nightengale on Sunday. “Kim is definitely staying, and Atlanta has its shortstop. How badly is he needed? Atlanta’s shortstops were hitting .217 with a .249 slugging percentage and .524 OPS, easily the worst in baseball, before Kim’s arrival. They had gone the entire season without a homer from their shortstop position until Kim homered.”

Now, the Braves may even look to lock Kim in long-term with a possible early extension.

“Kim has a $16 million player option for next season, which most expect he’ll pick up following a forgetful 2025 campaign. He spent most of the season on the IL with the Rays, but since the Braves claimed him off waivers, he’s been a revelation at the shortstop position,” Sportstalk ATL’s Chase Irle wrote. “Kim’s a Gold Glove defender that is hitting .313 with a .766 OPS over 14 games with the Braves. Not exactly Barry Bonds’ numbers, but it feels like it compared to what the Braves have gotten out of the position since Dansby Swanson left in free agency. There’s some risk involved, given his injury history, but that may be a gamble the Braves are willing to take to avoid ever having to watch Orlando Arcia and Nick Allen start at shortstop again.”

While an early extension may seem premature, it wouldn’t be the first time Atlanta made a proactive move that paid off. Deals like this have worked before — even leading to a World Series.

If Kim stays healthy, this could prove to be a shrewd move. But if he struggles or injury concerns return, it could become costly. For now, Kim is showing every sign of being part of the Braves’ long-term plans.