The 2025 season is one most Atlanta Braves fans would rather forget. The team ended up in fourth place in the NL East and failed to reach the postseason for the first time since 2017.
A major factor in their struggles was a wave of injuries. Long absences for Chris Sale and Reynaldo López stretched the club’s pitching depth to its limit, leaving the Braves short-handed for much of the year.
Their star, Ronald Acuña Jr., also saw some time on the IL, alongside Austin Riley. On top of that, other players like Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies were inconsistent.
One area of need the club could look at filling is its need for a shortstop. While they did just trade Nick Allen to the Houston Astros for Mauricio Dubon, there are better options out there.
One of these options would be to re-sign Ha-Seong Kim, whom the club acquired off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays. He is currently a free agent, and The Athletic’s Jim Bowden believes the best move for both parties would be for Kim to return to Atlanta.
“Kim also has the ability to play above-average defense at both second and third base, which really opens up his market to interested teams. I think a return to the Braves would be the best play for him and the team if they can work out a fair contract.”
Outside of shortstop, Kim can also hold down second and third base, which only makes him more valuable. However, Atlanta is not the only team interested in acquiring Kim. Bowden also mentions that the Milwaukee Brewers are a team to watch here as well.
So, if Atlanta wants to secure their guy, they are going to show him how much he means to the club.
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