Kim Ha-seong claimed off waivers by Atlanta Braves
Ha-Seong Kim #7 of the Tampa Bay Rays walks off the field with an injury in the eighth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California, August 16. AFP
Kim Ha-seong, a former Gold Glove-winning infielder mired in an injury-plagued season, has been claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.
The move by the Braves on Monday (U.S. local time) ends Kim's short and largely disappointing tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays, who had placed Kim on waivers before activating him from the 10-day injured list (IL).
Kim had landed on the IL on August 21, retroactive to the previous day, with low back inflammation. He had also missed 10 days in late July due to low back strain.
Kim signed with the Rays in February, following four seasons with the San Diego Padres, but did not make his season debut until July 4. He had undergone shoulder surgery in October last year and had his injury rehab disrupted by a hamstring issue in June.
And immediately after his first game as a Ray, Kim missed three games with a calf injury.
Despite Kim's shoulder surgery, the Rays bet on Kim in the offseason, giving him US$13 million for 2025 with a player option for 2026 worth $16 million. However, Kim ended up playing just 24 games and batting just .214 with two homers, five RBIs and six steals.
The Braves are now on the hook for about $2 million Kim is still due this season.
Kim, who turns 30 in October, has primarily played shortstop but has also spent time at second base and third base since joining the majors in 2021, following seven seasons in the Korea Baseball Organization.
He enjoyed his best season in 2023, when he nabbed the National League (NL) Gold Glove at the utility spot while setting career highs with 17 home runs, 60 RBIs, 38 steals and a .260/.351/.398 line.
Kim is expected to join the Braves at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Tuesday before a game against the Cubs.
The Braves won't make the postseason this year, stuck in fourth place in the NL East at 62-75 prior to Monday's game against the Cubs. They appear to be betting on the offensive upside Kim can offer when healthy, in addition to his defensive versatility.
The Braves are the only team in the majors without a home run by a shortstop this season. Having used three players at the position, the Braves also rank dead last in the big leagues with 29 RBIs and a .524 on-base plus slugging by their shortstops.
They have been much better defensively, ranking fifth among the 30 big league clubs in fielding run value at the shortstop position.