Alden GonzalezSep 1, 2025, 02:55 PM ET
CloseESPN baseball reporter. Covered the L.A. Rams for ESPN from 2016 to 2018 and the L.A. Angels for MLB.com from 2012 to 2016.
The Atlanta Braves, hoping to shore up an uncertain middle-infield situation for next season, claimed infielder Ha-Seong Kim off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday.
Kim, 29, is owed roughly $2 million for the remainder of the 2025 season and another $16 million in 2026.
The Braves are navigating through the tail end of a thoroughly disappointing season, having gone 62-75 heading into Labor Day, but they have hopes of contending next year and are willing to take on money in hopes of bridging the gap.
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The Braves have received a major-league-worst .525 OPS from the shortstop position this year, with Orlando Arcia released in late May and Nick Allen struggling offensively.
Second baseman Ozzie Albies, a three-time All-Star, is in the midst of his worst offensive season, slashing .234/.303/.350 with 13 home runs and 12 stolen bases in 137 games. The Braves have back-to-back $7 million club options on Albies’ contract after this season.
Kim can opt out of his deal at the conclusion of the World Series, but that is unlikely given his struggles coming off shoulder surgery.
A right-handed hitter who can play three infield positions, Kim established himself as a premium defender at shortstop and a fan favorite while with the San Diego Padres. From 2022 to 2024, Kim slashed .250/.336/.385 and accumulated 13 Baseball-Reference wins above replacement.
In his first season with the Rays, however, Kim slashed just .214/.290/.321 in 24 games.
To make room on the roster, the Braves transferred Austin Riley to the 60-day injured list.