Braves predicted to part ways with underperforming $20M Gold Glove winner at the trade deadline

The Atlanta Braves are sitting at 45 wins, by far the best record in baseball. Atlanta has achieved that success while battling injuries to several key players throughout the season.

Ha-Seong Kim was one of the players sidelined at the beginning of the year. The Braves brought him back on a hefty contract after he showed signs of returning to form late last 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.

Since returning from injury, Kim has struggled to live up to expectations. 680 The Fan’s Chris Dimino believes Atlanta could soon be forced to make a difficult decision regarding its starting shortstop.

“Sounds like the Braves may be approaching a crossroads with Ha-Seong Kim. The belief internally may still be there, but if this continues another couple weeks, it feels like a legitimate ‘what are we doing at shortstop?’ conversation is coming,” Dimino said.

The solution could be simple for Atlanta: move on from Kim's contract. MLB.com’s Mark Bowman believes the Braves could ultimately trade him.

“Kim wouldn’t be the centerpiece of any deal. But it doesn’t feel like he has a fit in Atlanta with both Mauricio Dubón and Jorge Mateo looking like better options at the shortstop position. Pairing Kim with a top pitching prospect and agreeing to pay the remaining portion of his $20 million salary to a middle infield-needy team could net a decent return,” Bowman wrote.

Atlanta had high hopes for Kim after he caught fire during September following his arrival last season. However, he has yet to perform at the level expected of a player making $20 million.

There is still time for Kim to prove himself, but if his struggles continue, the Braves may have little choice but to move on. Atlanta has received better production from Mauricio Dubón and Jorge Mateo, and Kim will need to play with greater urgency if he wants to remain part of the club’s long-term plans.

More MLB news: