Gold Glove Ha-Seong Kim Returns to Braves on Lucrative Deal

The Atlanta Braves have made a significant move in their quest to bolster their roster, re-signing shortstop Ha-Seong Kim to a one-year, $20 million contract. This development comes as a result of Kim’s impressive stint with the Braves in September, which rejuvenated his free-agent stock.

Details

According to a league source, Kim’s new deal is a one-year, $20 million agreement, which immediately slots him in as the Braves’ starting shortstop. The 30-year-old was widely regarded as the best defensive shortstop in a free-agent market that is unusually thin at that position.
Kim’s impressive defensive skills were a major factor in his signing, with his 4.2 bWAR average per 162 games being a testament to his prowess. His ability to excel on defense, coupled with his solid hitting, made him a highly sought-after player in the market.

The Road to Re-Signing Kim

Kim’s journey to re-signing with the Braves was not without its challenges. He spent two stints on the injured list in 2025, which led to a decline in his performance. However, a 24-game stint with the Braves in September helped him regain his form, and he hit .253 with three homers, 12 RBIs, a .684 OPS, and 93 OPS+ in 98 plate appearances.
This impressive performance led Kim and his agent, Scott Boras, to decline a $16 million player option for 2026, which the Braves had been hoping for. The Braves’ president of baseball operations, Alex Anthopoulos, expressed his excitement about Kim’s return, stating, “Our goal is for him to have a great year and we keep him long-term beyond this.”

Precautionary Measures

To cover themselves in case Kim went elsewhere, the Braves made a November trade for Houston Astros Gold Glove utility man Mauricio Dubón. However, with Kim’s re-signing, this move may now be seen as a precautionary measure to ensure that the Braves had a solid shortstop in place.

Market Comparison

Kim’s signing is a significant coup for the Braves, as he was projected to receive a three-year, $50 million deal by The Athletic’s Tim Britton. In comparison, slugger Bo Bichette is expected to command a huge long-term contract, but even he may not be able to match Kim’s defensive prowess.

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