Braves pressed to retain former Gold Glove infielder if he opts out

The Atlanta Braves come into the offseason after missing the postseason for the first time since 2017. They were plagued by injuries, and many of the players who were healthy underperformed.  

They were also hit with an unexpected 80-game suspension for their offseason acquisition, Jurickson Profar, early in the season due to a PED violation. 

Now, they head into free agency, closely monitoring Ha-Seong Kim's decision. He has an option for the 2026 season and has yet to make a decision or share which side he is currently leaning toward. 

Braves pressed to retain former Gold Glove infielder if he opts out

Needing to make an upgrade at shortstop, the Braves turned to the open market. They claimed Ha-Seong Kim off waivers after he spent some time earlier in the season with the Tampa Bay Rays. 

The former Gold Glove infielder played 24 games at short for Atlanta and did well. With limited options elsewhere, Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller suggests this is a player that should be a top priority for Atlanta's front office if he decides to opt out. 

"Kim's $16 million player option is maybe the biggest domino that could topple in either direction in the first few days of the offseason. If he turns it down, Atlanta will presumably do its best to re-sign him, as the alternatives are spending a copious amount of money on Bo Bichette or going back to Nick Allen's lifeless bat as the primary shortstop."

If Kim opts out, Atlanta could turn to Bo Bichette, who will be looking for a monster contract over the winter. Or they could return to Nick Allen serving as their shortstop. But with his limited offensive production, that does not seem to be the best bet. 

More MLB news:

• Astros encouraged to re-sign productive veteran bat in free agency
• Athletics urged to retain their late-inning southpaw weapon during the offseason
• Tigers urged to re-sign high-leverage reliever over the winter
• Execs suggest J.T. Realmuto could draw more free-agent interest than Kyle Schwarber
• Ranger Suarez's price tag could force the Phillies' hand in free agency