Infielder Kim Ha-seong, 30, will play for the Atlanta Braves in the 2026 season, returning to the team where he finished 2025.
MLB.com reported Thursday, citing sources, that Kim signed a one-year, $20 million contract with the Atlanta Braves.
Kim entered Major League Baseball in 2021 after signing with the San Diego Padres. Following the 2024 season, he became a free agent and signed a two-year, $29 million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays that included an opt-out clause after the 2025 season.
Kim returned midseason in 2025 after suffering a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Plagued by frequent injuries, he struggled to perform at his best. He was released by Tampa Bay in September and joined Atlanta, a team in need of shortstop depth. After the trade, Kim regained his previous form, finishing the 2025 season with a .234 batting average, five home runs, and 17 RBIs. In 24 games with Atlanta, he batted .253 with three home runs and 12 RBIs.
After the regular season, Kim weighed staying with Atlanta against exercising his opt-out. He chose to opt out rather than accept the $16 million option for the 2026 season, believing he could secure a better deal after reviewing market conditions. He also considered the shortage of premium shortstops in this winter's MLB free agent market, which left Atlanta and many other teams struggling to find shortstop talent.
MLB.com had predicted before the free agency period opened that Kim could land a multi-year deal averaging $20 million or more annually. However, Kim did not secure the long-term contract he had hoped for. Currently focused on conditioning in Korea, Kim is expected to demonstrate his health and abilities before re-entering free agency after the 2026 season.
