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The Atlanta Braves made a good move extending Chris Sale, as he’s been their most reliable pitcher for the past couple seasons, and he even won his first Cy Young with them. However, with this extension, it may mean other stars may be on their way out due to the fact Sale is now the highest-paid Brave ever for a single season.
Fansided’s Zachary Rotman predicts the Braves will let go of a star shortstop in Ha-Seong Kim after the 2026 season ends, as his contract ends there.
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“The Braves re-signed Ha-Seong Kim to a one-year, $20 million deal after he played well for them down the stretch to be their shortstop for the 2026 season. Will Kim be their shortstop in 2027, though? Sale's contract probably makes that less likely…If he plays well, can the Braves afford to pay him what he'll command on the open market? If he struggles, would the Braves really want him back? Perhaps they're willing to go far beyond where they usually do financially, but Sale getting a $9 million pay increase isn't nothing. Adding that onto a potential hefty Kim contract could be too much,” Rotman wrote.
This past season, Kim slashed .234/.304/.345/.649 with four doubles, five home runs, and 17 RBI in 48 games. He also has a Gold Glove to his name, so he’s a great defender to have when he’s healthy.
Kim is set to make $20 million this season, and a free agent after. For the Braves, it might be time to let him walk and pursue other options for their middle infield.
Only time will tell what the Braves will do, but it might be good for fans to prepare for Kim’s possible exit after this season.
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