The Braves are bringing back a familiar face to bolster their infield depth, re-signing shortstop Ha-Seong Kim to a one-year, $20 million deal. It’s a move that speaks volumes-not just about Kim’s potential bounce-back, but about Atlanta’s confidence in its roster heading into 2026.
Kim declined his player option for 2026 to take this deal, effectively betting on himself. He’ll pocket an extra $4 million in guaranteed money and hit the open market again next winter, potentially in a stronger position if he returns to form. It’s a smart play for both sides: the Braves get a high-upside infielder without a long-term commitment, and Kim gets a shot at re-establishing his value.
Let’s be honest-2025 wasn’t kind to Kim. After dealing with a shoulder injury, he managed just 48 games and struggled at the plate, slashing .234 with a .649 OPS.
His defense, typically a strength, hovered around league average. But there’s reason to believe that was more rust than regression.
From 2021 to 2024, Kim averaged 3.8 WAR per season and brought home a Gold Glove in 2023. That’s the version of Kim the Braves are hoping to see again-healthy, sharp, and impactful on both sides of the ball.
With Kim back in the fold, Atlanta’s infield is shaping up to be one of the deepest in the league. Mauricio Dubon offers elite versatility-he can slot in anywhere on the infield and even handle outfield duties in a pinch. And speaking of the outfield, the recent addition of Mike Yastrzemski gives the Braves four legitimate starting options, offering flexibility and matchup advantages throughout the season.
It’s still mid-December, but the Braves have already checked off most of their offseason to-do list. The position player group looks just about set.
What remains is fine-tuning the pitching staff, where there are still a few key boxes to tick. The rotation has talent, but with a few arms returning from injury, adding a proven starter for insurance feels like a must.
The bullpen, too, could use a boost after the departures of Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley-two reliable relievers who logged meaningful innings.
At this point, adding at least one dependable bullpen piece and one rotation arm should be high on the priority list. But with over $60 million already committed to the 2026 payroll, Atlanta may need to get creative.
The free agent market is still an option, but don’t rule out a trade. President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos has never been shy about pulling the trigger when the right deal presents itself, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him make one more splash before the offseason wraps up.
Bottom line: the Braves are in a strong position. They’ve brought back a talented shortstop with upside, fortified their depth across the diamond, and still have room to maneuver. If Kim can bounce back to his pre-injury form, this could end up being one of the savvier signings of the winter.