Braves' free agent plan for Ha-Seong Kim revealed by MLB insider

There are plenty of positions the Atlanta Braves need to address this winter, with the starting rotation and the bullpen two of the most important.

But, with Ha-Seong Kim now a free agent after opting out of his contract, the Braves desperately need a shortstop.

According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Braves have some strong feelings on what they want to do with Kim in free agency.

Insider reveals what Braves want to do about Ha-Seong Kim in free agency

"He was acquired by Atlanta at the trade deadline, who took a $2 million gamble he would stay put after his strong final two months." Nightengale writes. "Atlanta still badly wants him back."

The Braves, after seeing Kim opt out of his $16 million player option for 2026, still want to bring the veteran shortstop back to Atlanta after a successful second half.

The 30-year-old shortstop joined the Braves halfway through the year after a very brief stint with the Tampa Bay Rays. In 24 games for the Braves, Kim hit .253 with a .684 OPS.

More: Braves predicted to replace Ha-Seong Kim with 2-time World Series MVP, 5-time All-Star

Add on his good defense, and Kim is a high-priority target for the Braves this winter. Bringing him back for a longer-term deal, especially amid a weak shortstop free agent market, would be the ideal move for Atlanta this winter.

The veteran shortstop is best known for his time with the San Diego Padres, where he earned a Gold Glove award and was a .242 hitter with a .706 OPS in 540 games with the Padres.

With a clear need at shortstop, and Kim being familiar with the team and being a much more reasonable target than Bo Bichette, Kim being a player the Braves "badly" want makes a lot of sense.

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