MLB Rumors: Braves make bold move for Ha-Seong Kim as Orioles fend off Yankees and Red Sox for Michael King 

Another free agent bites the dust as Ha-Seong Kim finds a new team this week. Meanwhile, there is a new update on free agent Michael King.

Let's get to them one by one.

1) Braves sign Ha-Seong Kim on 1-year deal

Ha-Seong Kim, who was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves in September, is returning to the franchise on a one-year deal worth $20 million. Earlier this offseason, the infielder denied the $16 million club option, part of the two-year deal he signed with the Rays as a free agent before the 2024 season.

In 2025, Kim didn't make his season debut until July as he rehabbed from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. There were some other injury concerns as well, due to which he could only appear in 48 games, slashing .234/.304/.345 (83 OPS+) with five home runs.

2) Orioles battling off Yankees and Red Sox for Michael King

The Baltimore Orioles' chase for Michael King has encountered obstacles as two teams from their own division are also in the race to get the former San Diego Padres pitcher.

As per MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, the Orioles will need to outbid the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees in order to sign King. It'll be a big challenge given the big market status of both teams and their need for a starting pitcher.

The 30-year old came to the Padres before the 2024 season as part of the famous Juan Soto trade to the New York Yankees. He became a reliable starting arm for the team, posting a 13-9 record and 2.95 ERA with 201 strikeouts across 173.2 innings pitched in 2024.

However, this year, he could only make 15 starts, as he battled several injuries, such as shoulder and knee inflammation. He registered a 3.44 ERA and went 5-3 with a WHIP of 1.20.

It remains to be seen if the Orioles could get their hands on the right-hander or they will fell short of their American League East competitors.

Edited by Krutik Jain