Braves need to address major Ha-Seong Kim problem in 'not-too-distant future' before it's too late

The Atlanta Braves have had an ongoing problem at shortstop for the last few years after losing Dansby Swanson to the Chicago Cubs in free agency. The biggest issue has been getting offensive production from the position.

Atlanta thought they fixed the problem with Ha-Seong Kim. After all, they gave him $20 million to be their shortstop this season.

“Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is returning to the Atlanta Braves, agreeing Monday to a one-year, $20 million contract that addressed a major offseason priority for the team. Kim gets a $4 million raise. He had declined a $16 million player option that was in the two-year, $29 million contract he signed in February with Tampa Bay, a deal that paid him $13 million. The Braves announced the new deal with Kim on Monday night,” ESPN wrote.

Kim missed the entire first month of the season before returning last week against the Cubs.

“The Braves had a new starting shortstop Tuesday, their fourth of the season already. Ha-Seong Kim was penciled into the Braves’ lineup for the middle of the infield and was hitting eighth in the opening game of a three-game series against the Cubs at Truist Park. It’s Kim’s first game with the Braves since Sept. 28,” AJC’s Chad Bishop wrote.

However, Kim has recorded just one hit since returning and has struggled badly at the plate. If the lack of production from the shortstop position continues, Atlanta is going to have to make a move.

“All of that said, Atlanta clearly has a shortstop issue that they need to resolve. That may have to come via a trade in the not-too-distant future, as waiting for their prospects to be ready is risky and will take a while, and the upcoming free agent shortstop class is not good. Regardless of how the Braves choose to handle the situation, it is probably a good idea that they start being proactive to address the obvious roster weakness,” HTHB’s Eric Cole wrote.

Hopefully, Kim just needs some time to settle in with the Braves, but that might not be the case. Atlanta’s luck offensively at shortstop has not been great for quite some time.

It is great that the Braves continue bringing in players who are exceptional defensively, but eventually there has to be offensive production as well. Atlanta will give Kim time to prove himself, but if things do not improve, a move may become necessary.

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