### Braves Secure Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim with $20 Million Deal The Atlanta Braves have successfully re-signed shortstop Ha-Seong Kim to a one-year contract worth $20 million, addressing a critical need in their infield for the upcoming season. This move comes after Kim opted out of a $16 million player option from a previous contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing him to negotiate a more lucrative deal with the Braves. Kim's return is seen as a strategic decision to bolster the team's depth and enhance their playoff prospects for 2026, especially after a season marred by injuries that limited his performance to just 48 games, where he batted .234 with five home runs and 17 RBIs [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/braves-bringing-back-shortstop-seong-112957573.html][https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/braves/2025/12/15/ha-seong-kim-returns-atlanta-braves-contract/87786442007]. ### Breakdown of the Braves' Strategic Move 1. **Contract Details**: - Kim signed a one-year, $20 million deal, which is a $4 million increase from his previous player option [https://www.batterypower.com/atlanta-braves-news/124269/ha-seong-kim-hot-stove-free-agency-trade-rumors-mlb]. 2. **Impact on Team Structure**: - With Kim's return, Mauricio Dubón will transition to a utility role, enhancing the team's flexibility in the infield [https://thepicks.com/us/news/mlb/ha-seong-kim-braves-2025-contract]. 3. **Performance Expectations**: - Despite a challenging 2025 season, Kim's past performance from 2021-2024, where he accumulated 15.1 WAR and won a Gold Glove, suggests he can return to form [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/braves_ink_ha_seong_kim_to_one_year_deal/s1_16493_43210204]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Contract Financials**: - Previous player option: $16 million - New contract: $20 million (a $4 million raise) [https://www.wdef.com/braves-bringing-back-shorstop-ha-seong-kim-for-20-million]. - **Performance Metrics**: - 2025 Season: - Games Played: 48 - Batting Average: .234 - Home Runs: 5 - RBIs: 17 - Historical Performance (2021-2024): - WAR: 15.1 - Gold Glove Winner - OPS: .706 [https://www.local10.com/sports/2025/12/15/infielder-ha-seong-kim-returns-to-braves-on-20-million-1-year-contract]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Win for the Braves In summary, the Atlanta Braves' decision to re-sign Ha-Seong Kim for one year at $20 million is a calculated move aimed at stabilizing their infield and enhancing their competitive edge for the 2026 season. 1. **Financial Gain**: Kim's new contract reflects a strategic financial decision, providing him with a raise while keeping the team competitive. 2. **Team Dynamics**: His return allows for a more versatile infield, with Dubón shifting to a utility role, which is expected to improve overall team performance. 3. **Future Outlook**: Given Kim's previous accolades and potential for recovery from injury, the Braves are banking on a return to form that could significantly impact their playoff aspirations [https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/mlb/atlanta-braves/news/ha-seong-kim-returns-braves-one-year-20-million-contract/0c49d31b5345eacfe4824366][https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/braves-gold-glove-shortstop-agree-on-20-million-contract-report-11217486].