1 day ago
Braves predicted to trade for $8.5M All-Star, Silver Slugger winner to replace Ha-Seong Kim originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves had another miserable year at shortstop in a season when they thought they had finally figured out the position. Ever since Dansby Swanson left to join the Chicago Cubs, it has been a brutal nightmare for Atlanta.
The Braves picked up Ha-Seong Kim at the end of September 2025, and he impressed. For that reason, the Braves decided to bring him back on a new contract.
"Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is returning to the Atlanta Braves, agreeing Monday to a one-year, $20 million contract that addressed a major offseason priority for the team. Kim gets a $4 million raise. He had declined a $16 million player option that was in the two-year, $29 million contract he signed in February with Tampa Bay, a deal that paid him $13 million. The Braves announced the new deal with Kim on Monday night," ESPN wrote.
Kim injured himself during the offseason, causing him to miss time. When he returned to Atlanta, he put the Braves in a difficult position because of his lack of production.
#atlanta #seong #year #shortstop
The Atlanta Braves had another miserable year at shortstop in a season when they thought they had finally figured out the position. Ever since Dansby Swanson left to join the Chicago Cubs, it has been a brutal nightmare for Atlanta.
The Braves picked up Ha-Seong Kim at the end of September 2025, and he impressed. For that reason, the Braves decided to bring him back on a new contract.
"Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is returning to the Atlanta Braves, agreeing Monday to a one-year, $20 million contract that addressed a major offseason priority for the team. Kim gets a $4 million raise. He had declined a $16 million player option that was in the two-year, $29 million contract he signed in February with Tampa Bay, a deal that paid him $13 million. The Braves announced the new deal with Kim on Monday night," ESPN wrote.
Kim injured himself during the offseason, causing him to miss time. When he returned to Atlanta, he put the Braves in a difficult position because of his lack of production.
#atlanta #seong #year #shortstop
1 month ago
Well, there's not much to say about this lineup. David Peterson throws with his left hand. The Braves don't have Lane Thomas on hand anymore, so it's basically your standard lineup with Sean Murphy and Ha-Seong Kim bringing up the rear.
This is the same lineup the Braves used in what ended up being that 12-2 game against the Phillies. Given that Peterson probably won't last long given his inefficiency, the Braves may be hoping for a similar result.
I guess I'll talk about Ozzie Albies. He's hitting cleanup for the 21st time this season. His season is basically tanking. He started out with a near-.400 wOBA in April while running an average xwOBA, had a poor May, an okay-ish June, and then ran another huge xwOBA overperformance on a bad xwOBA in July. Since then, it's been absolutely grim. In August, he had a .275 wOBA and .283 xwOBA. In September, he's down to a .212 wOBA and .218 xwOBA. As has also been the case for a while, Albies is no longer terrorizing lefties. In his first seven seasons, he had five where he hit lefties super-well, and one of the ones where he didn't was a tiny-sample 2020 where he was hurt. In both 2024 and 2025, his xwOBA against lefties dwindled to an okay .325ish. This year? He's down to .282. He's only posted an xwOBA at or above .300 against lefties this season in April and July. In September so far, it's .171. There's not really that much time for Albies to change the script of his season, but this is a really disappointing follow-up to 2025 and it's going to be the third straight year where Albies turns in an underwhelming season.
Anyway, should we do batter versus pitcher while waiting for the Cubs to post their lineup? Sure, I guess. These guys are very familiar with Peterson, after all. Amazingly, neither Drake Baldwin nor Mauricio Dubon have ever faced Peterson, and Kim only has four PAs against him, but everyone else has somewhere between 12 and 30. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson have destroyed Peterson in their careers, and Riley's been fine, but everyone else has struggled a bit. Add this all up, and you get a .318 wOBA and .347 xwOBA in 141 career head-to-head PAs.
As for the Cubs, well…
#peterson #woba #well
This is the same lineup the Braves used in what ended up being that 12-2 game against the Phillies. Given that Peterson probably won't last long given his inefficiency, the Braves may be hoping for a similar result.
I guess I'll talk about Ozzie Albies. He's hitting cleanup for the 21st time this season. His season is basically tanking. He started out with a near-.400 wOBA in April while running an average xwOBA, had a poor May, an okay-ish June, and then ran another huge xwOBA overperformance on a bad xwOBA in July. Since then, it's been absolutely grim. In August, he had a .275 wOBA and .283 xwOBA. In September, he's down to a .212 wOBA and .218 xwOBA. As has also been the case for a while, Albies is no longer terrorizing lefties. In his first seven seasons, he had five where he hit lefties super-well, and one of the ones where he didn't was a tiny-sample 2020 where he was hurt. In both 2024 and 2025, his xwOBA against lefties dwindled to an okay .325ish. This year? He's down to .282. He's only posted an xwOBA at or above .300 against lefties this season in April and July. In September so far, it's .171. There's not really that much time for Albies to change the script of his season, but this is a really disappointing follow-up to 2025 and it's going to be the third straight year where Albies turns in an underwhelming season.
Anyway, should we do batter versus pitcher while waiting for the Cubs to post their lineup? Sure, I guess. These guys are very familiar with Peterson, after all. Amazingly, neither Drake Baldwin nor Mauricio Dubon have ever faced Peterson, and Kim only has four PAs against him, but everyone else has somewhere between 12 and 30. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson have destroyed Peterson in their careers, and Riley's been fine, but everyone else has struggled a bit. Add this all up, and you get a .318 wOBA and .347 xwOBA in 141 career head-to-head PAs.
As for the Cubs, well…
#peterson #woba #well
1 month ago
The Braves had 'em all the way. Yep, had 'em all the way. At least, that's what we'll tell ourselves whenever a scintilla of a memory of this game pops into our brains, right? It took 12 innings, a brief blip from Chris Sale, and run-scoring scrambles in the ninth, tenth, and eleventh, another huuuuge hit from Ha-Seong Kim, and finally, a walkoff rope off the bat of Drake Baldwin, but the Braves ultimately prevailed in the opener of the final series against their division rivals.
How do you recap this game? It felt like living a few different lifetimes. I guess we'll just go sequentially, but this is a game that warrants watching the highlights.
After a 45-minute weather-related delay, things got started and Sale pretty much picked up where he left off. The top of the Philadelphia order went down on a flyout and two nasty strikeouts. Aaron Nola retired the first two Braves he faced, but then Matt Olson broke a two-week homerless slide with a slice the other way that juuust managed not to go foul and instead became his 38th longball of the year. A homer from the recently homer-shy Braves offense seemed to be an auspicious sign, but things quickly took a turn for the worse.
After the first two outs of the eighth, Edmundo Sosa caught a Sale slider and yanked it for a single. Sale then issued a rare walk to Bryan De La Cruz of all people, and then hit J.T. Realmuto with the next pitch, loading the bases.
***Derek Hill complaints interlude***
#things
How do you recap this game? It felt like living a few different lifetimes. I guess we'll just go sequentially, but this is a game that warrants watching the highlights.
After a 45-minute weather-related delay, things got started and Sale pretty much picked up where he left off. The top of the Philadelphia order went down on a flyout and two nasty strikeouts. Aaron Nola retired the first two Braves he faced, but then Matt Olson broke a two-week homerless slide with a slice the other way that juuust managed not to go foul and instead became his 38th longball of the year. A homer from the recently homer-shy Braves offense seemed to be an auspicious sign, but things quickly took a turn for the worse.
After the first two outs of the eighth, Edmundo Sosa caught a Sale slider and yanked it for a single. Sale then issued a rare walk to Bryan De La Cruz of all people, and then hit J.T. Realmuto with the next pitch, loading the bases.
***Derek Hill complaints interlude***
#things
1 month ago
ATLANTA (AP) — Drake Baldwin doubled to center field in the 11th inning to score Ha-Seong Kim from first base and the Atlanta Braves beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-5 on Friday night in the opening game of a key NL East series.
The first-place Braves extended their lead over the Phillies to five games. The teams split a four-game series in Philadelphia that began last Friday.
Luis Arraez's single to left field off Didier Fuentes (7-2) in the 11th drove in designated runner Garrett Stubbs to give Philadelphia a 5-4 lead. Kim's single off Brooks Raley (5-6) in the bottom of the inning drove in Ozzie Albies to tie it. Baldwin followed with the winning double.
Phillies right-hander Jonathan Bowlan blew a 3-2 lead in the ninth. Bowlan gave up a one-out single to Mike Yastrzemski. Pinch-runner DaShawn Keirsey Jr., who was recalled before the game, scored from first on Sean Murphy's single up the middle and center fielder Derek Hill's fielding error.
Aaron Nola gave up homers to Matt Olson in the first and Austin Riley in the seventh. Braves left-hander Chris Sale allowed three runs on only three hits in seven innings but struggled with two outs in the second. Edmundo Sosa singled before Sale walked Bryan De La Cruz and hit J.T. Realmuto with a pitch to load the bases. Derek Hill doubled off the center-field wall to drive in three runs.
#lead
The first-place Braves extended their lead over the Phillies to five games. The teams split a four-game series in Philadelphia that began last Friday.
Luis Arraez's single to left field off Didier Fuentes (7-2) in the 11th drove in designated runner Garrett Stubbs to give Philadelphia a 5-4 lead. Kim's single off Brooks Raley (5-6) in the bottom of the inning drove in Ozzie Albies to tie it. Baldwin followed with the winning double.
Phillies right-hander Jonathan Bowlan blew a 3-2 lead in the ninth. Bowlan gave up a one-out single to Mike Yastrzemski. Pinch-runner DaShawn Keirsey Jr., who was recalled before the game, scored from first on Sean Murphy's single up the middle and center fielder Derek Hill's fielding error.
Aaron Nola gave up homers to Matt Olson in the first and Austin Riley in the seventh. Braves left-hander Chris Sale allowed three runs on only three hits in seven innings but struggled with two outs in the second. Edmundo Sosa singled before Sale walked Bryan De La Cruz and hit J.T. Realmuto with a pitch to load the bases. Derek Hill doubled off the center-field wall to drive in three runs.
#lead
1 month ago
ATLANTA (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays were prevented from possibly becoming the first team to clinch a playoff berth when Martín Pérez threw seven scoreless innings and Austin Riley's run-scoring single in the eighth inning gave Atlanta its first lead of the series in the Braves' 3-1 win Thursday.
Seeking its first division ****** le since 2021, Tampa Bay entered with a four-game AL East lead and would have clinched no worse than a wild card with a victory and a loss by Texas to Seattle or the Chicago White Sox to Pittsburgh.
Riley's hit came after pinch-hitter Ozzie Albies' had his first triple of the season, a drive against Kevin Kelly (6-4). Light-htting Ha-Seong Kim tacked on a two-run single for the offensively struggling Braves that proved crucial when Victor Mesa Jr. led off the ninth with a homer against Raisel Iglesias.
Iglesias bounced back to get the final three outs for his 32nd save in 35 chances for the Braves, who began the day with a three-game NL East lead.
Didier Fuentes (6-2) pitched a scoreless eighth for the win, which sent the Braves into an important series against second-place Philadelphia with a big lift.
#Braves #tampa
Seeking its first division ****** le since 2021, Tampa Bay entered with a four-game AL East lead and would have clinched no worse than a wild card with a victory and a loss by Texas to Seattle or the Chicago White Sox to Pittsburgh.
Riley's hit came after pinch-hitter Ozzie Albies' had his first triple of the season, a drive against Kevin Kelly (6-4). Light-htting Ha-Seong Kim tacked on a two-run single for the offensively struggling Braves that proved crucial when Victor Mesa Jr. led off the ninth with a homer against Raisel Iglesias.
Iglesias bounced back to get the final three outs for his 32nd save in 35 chances for the Braves, who began the day with a three-game NL East lead.
Didier Fuentes (6-2) pitched a scoreless eighth for the win, which sent the Braves into an important series against second-place Philadelphia with a big lift.
#Braves #tampa
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1 month ago
Lane Thomas was a late scratch in the Braves lineup today. We have heard why from Walt Weiss.
I'm not a doctor, but as I understand it an intercostal strain is slightly different from an oblique strain. An intercostal strain affects the muscles under the ribs. An oblique strain affects the sides of the abdomen. In any case, it's an Injured List visit for Thomas. He will join Bryce Elder as the second Braves player placed there this week.
In case you missed it, Mauricio Dubon pulled away from the plate with an oblique issue in today's game. According to reports, Walt said postgame that he felt something in his back and it wasn't a big deal. We might see DaShawn Keirsey Jr. on the active roster for the Philadelphia series tomorrow, but we don't know at this point. I'm not sure what the Braves will do if that Dubon goes down. We will see more of Ha-Seong Kim, I'm sure. But I'll take two hits a game like today while he's gone.
Oblique injuries are going around. Y'all be safe out there.
#dubon #today #affects #case
I'm not a doctor, but as I understand it an intercostal strain is slightly different from an oblique strain. An intercostal strain affects the muscles under the ribs. An oblique strain affects the sides of the abdomen. In any case, it's an Injured List visit for Thomas. He will join Bryce Elder as the second Braves player placed there this week.
In case you missed it, Mauricio Dubon pulled away from the plate with an oblique issue in today's game. According to reports, Walt said postgame that he felt something in his back and it wasn't a big deal. We might see DaShawn Keirsey Jr. on the active roster for the Philadelphia series tomorrow, but we don't know at this point. I'm not sure what the Braves will do if that Dubon goes down. We will see more of Ha-Seong Kim, I'm sure. But I'll take two hits a game like today while he's gone.
Oblique injuries are going around. Y'all be safe out there.
#dubon #today #affects #case
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2 months ago
The Braves will have their hands full at the plate in Friday night's opener of the four-game series in Philadelphia against Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez.
Putting their best foot forward, the Braves have Ozzie Albies hitting above Matt Olson in the three-hole in the lineup, have Lane Thomas hitting fifth and holding down left field and are starting Sean Murphy behind the plate for the fourth time in five games to maximize Atlanta's ability against a strong left-handed arm.
Ha-Seong Kim also gets the start at shortstop as Mauricio Dubón makes a rare start in center and gives Michael Harris II, who doesn't have the best track record against Sánchez, a night out of the starting lineup.
Sale gets the start! pic.twitter.com/bp2JrR8Pwb
There are no real surprises in the Phillies lineup. Kyle Schwarber is back at DH for this game after playing first base on Wednesday to allow Alec Bohm to get an off day. Bohm is back at first and hitting fifth in the order.
#start #plate
Putting their best foot forward, the Braves have Ozzie Albies hitting above Matt Olson in the three-hole in the lineup, have Lane Thomas hitting fifth and holding down left field and are starting Sean Murphy behind the plate for the fourth time in five games to maximize Atlanta's ability against a strong left-handed arm.
Ha-Seong Kim also gets the start at shortstop as Mauricio Dubón makes a rare start in center and gives Michael Harris II, who doesn't have the best track record against Sánchez, a night out of the starting lineup.
Sale gets the start! pic.twitter.com/bp2JrR8Pwb
There are no real surprises in the Phillies lineup. Kyle Schwarber is back at DH for this game after playing first base on Wednesday to allow Alec Bohm to get an off day. Bohm is back at first and hitting fifth in the order.
#start #plate
2 months ago
ATLANTA (AP) — Pinch-hitter Ha-Seong Kim singled home Lane Thomas with two outs in the ninth inning, lifting the Atlanta Braves to a 6-5 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night.
Ha-Seong Kim walks it off for the Braves! pic.twitter.com/IWTZ9L6XEM
Thomas doubled to right field against Tanner Scott (1-5) before the Dodgers intentionally walked Austin Riley to get to Kim. Scott also took the loss in Tuesday's series opener.
Victor Mederos (3-1) pitched a perfect ninth.
Matt Olson hit his 37th homer for Atlanta and Sean Murphy hit his first. Tommy Edman went deep for Los Angeles and drove in three runs in this back-and-forth matchup of NL division leaders.
#atlanta #lane
Ha-Seong Kim walks it off for the Braves! pic.twitter.com/IWTZ9L6XEM
Thomas doubled to right field against Tanner Scott (1-5) before the Dodgers intentionally walked Austin Riley to get to Kim. Scott also took the loss in Tuesday's series opener.
Victor Mederos (3-1) pitched a perfect ninth.
Matt Olson hit his 37th homer for Atlanta and Sean Murphy hit his first. Tommy Edman went deep for Los Angeles and drove in three runs in this back-and-forth matchup of NL division leaders.
#atlanta #lane
2 months ago
Hickory starter Seong-Jun Kim made his full season debut, throwing two shutout innings and striking out four. Jormy Nivar allowed four runs in 1.2 IP, walking two. Michael Trausch struck out three and walked two in two scoreless innings.
Jay McQueen was 2 for 4 with a walk. Paulino Santana doubled and walked. Marco Argudin had a HBP and a stolen base before being lifted for a pinch hitter in the fourth. Dewar Tovar had a hit. Curley Martha had a hit. Yolfran Castillo and Pablo Guerrero each had a hit. Kolby Branch was 2 for 3 with a double and a walk.
Hickory box score
Hub City played a pair.
In Game One, Connor O'Hara, a 25 year old signed out of the Atlantic League earlier this year, made his first appearance in high-A, going five shutout innings, striking out seven and walking one.
#shutout #walk
Jay McQueen was 2 for 4 with a walk. Paulino Santana doubled and walked. Marco Argudin had a HBP and a stolen base before being lifted for a pinch hitter in the fourth. Dewar Tovar had a hit. Curley Martha had a hit. Yolfran Castillo and Pablo Guerrero each had a hit. Kolby Branch was 2 for 3 with a double and a walk.
Hickory box score
Hub City played a pair.
In Game One, Connor O'Hara, a 25 year old signed out of the Atlantic League earlier this year, made his first appearance in high-A, going five shutout innings, striking out seven and walking one.
#shutout #walk
2 months ago
There's no such thing as a bad one-year deal. It's an old baseball axiom that has remained true for quite some time, even if some cases tend to test that theory. This is one such case, as it's become very clear that the Ha-Seong Kim one-year deal hasn't worked out anywhere near the level to where both parties figured it would once they agreed to the one-year, $20 million deal during the offseason.
During the series recap for the Diamondbacks series, I mentioned that Ha-Seong Kim had made "progress" after he recorded his fourth RBI of the season during that blowout loss on Saturday to Arizona. Not his fourth RBI of the game — his fourth of the season. I would never lie to you on the internet, so here's video proof!
This was his first RBI since June 3 and that only came after he had what looks like a hot streak in comparison back in late-May, which is when he picked up two RBI in a three-game span. That is absolutely anemic in terms of counting stats.
Somehow, Kim's four RBI don't have him in last place among hitters with at least 80 plate appearances. Four other players have made at least 80 plate appearances and have produced fewer RBI than Kim has done so far this season. With that being said, some of the stats that Kim has put up this season have truly got to be seen to be believed.
Among batters with at least 80 plate appearances, he's last in Isolated Power (.000), he's last in BABIP (.094), he's last in batting average (.066), he's next-to-last in On-Base Percentage (.165), he's last in slugging percentage (.066), he's last in wOBA (.126), he's in a three-way tie for next-t0-last in xwOBA (.207) and he's last in wRC+ with a scarcely-believable 29 wRC+. This is astonishing.
#year #deal #least #plate
During the series recap for the Diamondbacks series, I mentioned that Ha-Seong Kim had made "progress" after he recorded his fourth RBI of the season during that blowout loss on Saturday to Arizona. Not his fourth RBI of the game — his fourth of the season. I would never lie to you on the internet, so here's video proof!
This was his first RBI since June 3 and that only came after he had what looks like a hot streak in comparison back in late-May, which is when he picked up two RBI in a three-game span. That is absolutely anemic in terms of counting stats.
Somehow, Kim's four RBI don't have him in last place among hitters with at least 80 plate appearances. Four other players have made at least 80 plate appearances and have produced fewer RBI than Kim has done so far this season. With that being said, some of the stats that Kim has put up this season have truly got to be seen to be believed.
Among batters with at least 80 plate appearances, he's last in Isolated Power (.000), he's last in BABIP (.094), he's last in batting average (.066), he's next-to-last in On-Base Percentage (.165), he's last in slugging percentage (.066), he's last in wOBA (.126), he's in a three-way tie for next-t0-last in xwOBA (.207) and he's last in wRC+ with a scarcely-believable 29 wRC+. This is astonishing.
#year #deal #least #plate
2 months ago
Jim Jarvis currently has a notable line, at least compared to earlier in the season. He started out massively outhitting his xwOBA, but that's done now — he's at a .274 wOBA (69 wRC+) and .271 xwOBA. His defense-plus-positional adjustment rounds to zero runs above average. Combine that with 0.1 runs of above-average baserunning (sadly it's not 0.0), and he's at 0.0 fWAR.
But, the Braves don't have too many other options. Ha-Seong Kim, well, even the Braves won't go that far. (And, the more Jarvis plays, the more time Kim is likely going to need to get back into the swing of things.) The other obvious option is just playing Mauricio Dubon at shortstop, but the Braves haven't committed to that either.
So, when we get to the playoffs (barring an epic collapse, which lurks on the peripheries of probability), will the Braves still be of the inclination to give Jarvis a start? What do you think?
#xwoba #seong
But, the Braves don't have too many other options. Ha-Seong Kim, well, even the Braves won't go that far. (And, the more Jarvis plays, the more time Kim is likely going to need to get back into the swing of things.) The other obvious option is just playing Mauricio Dubon at shortstop, but the Braves haven't committed to that either.
So, when we get to the playoffs (barring an epic collapse, which lurks on the peripheries of probability), will the Braves still be of the inclination to give Jarvis a start? What do you think?
#xwoba #seong
3 months ago
The third day of the Audi Summer Tour featured the first friendly for FC Bayern as the Munich men met South Korean top-flight club Jeju SK at the Jeju World Cup Stadium. There was plenty going on before the match, too. fcbayern.com brings you an overview of the Tuesday on the Audi Summer Tour.
In a lively encounter – in spite of the high temperatures – against Jeju SK, FC Bayern triumped 2-1 in the end. Youngsters Felipe Chávez and Bastian **** omo netted the goals for the Munich men in the first half. All the info:
How Bayern are taking the spirit of Jeju to Hong Kong
The special connection between FC Bayern and Jeju was reinforced by some appreciative gestures before FCB's 2-1 win at the World Cup Stadium on the South Korean island. For a start, president Herbert Hainer and Wi Seong-gon, the Governor of Jeju, carried out the ceremonial kick-off in the shirts of their respective teams, while special gifts were also exchanged. Hainer presented the Governor with one of the exclusive Bayern figures that the club made for the occasion.
In return, Rouven Kasper, FC Bayern board member for marketing and sales, received a "dol hareubang" statue from Jaryong Jo, the CEO of Jeju SK, who's been working with the German double winners for a year as part of the joint venture Red&Gold. These are statues made from the volcanic stone that's typical on the island of Jeju.
#jeju #south
In a lively encounter – in spite of the high temperatures – against Jeju SK, FC Bayern triumped 2-1 in the end. Youngsters Felipe Chávez and Bastian **** omo netted the goals for the Munich men in the first half. All the info:
How Bayern are taking the spirit of Jeju to Hong Kong
The special connection between FC Bayern and Jeju was reinforced by some appreciative gestures before FCB's 2-1 win at the World Cup Stadium on the South Korean island. For a start, president Herbert Hainer and Wi Seong-gon, the Governor of Jeju, carried out the ceremonial kick-off in the shirts of their respective teams, while special gifts were also exchanged. Hainer presented the Governor with one of the exclusive Bayern figures that the club made for the occasion.
In return, Rouven Kasper, FC Bayern board member for marketing and sales, received a "dol hareubang" statue from Jaryong Jo, the CEO of Jeju SK, who's been working with the German double winners for a year as part of the joint venture Red&Gold. These are statues made from the volcanic stone that's typical on the island of Jeju.
#jeju #south
3 months ago
The Atlanta Braves will be reinstating infielder Ha-Seong Kim to the big league roster, according MLB.com's Mark Bowman. With the Braves off on Monday and the trade deadline looming, the 48-hours the Atlanta has to make a corresponding move may have numerous moving parts. The term of Kim's rehabilitation **** ignment ended on August 1, necessitating the move.
Ha-Seong Kim has been reinstated. The Braves have 48 hours to make the move necessary to create a roster spot for him.
It's been a disappointing 2026 for Kim who signed with Atlanta in the off-season after ending the 2025 season with the Braves before becoming a free agent. He missed Spring Training and the beginning of the season after suffering a hand injury after slipping on ice in his native South Korea.
In 27 games with Atlanta this season he has hit .068 with only 5 hits in 82 plate appearances. He does not have any extra-base hits with Atlanta this season. He was expected to be the team's starting shortstop but that role has been filled by Mauricio Dubon, Jorge Mateo and, of late, rookie Jim Jarvis.
With or not Kim will get another – and likely final – opportunity to re-claim the starting shortstop role is to be seen. He is a free agent after the season.
#atlanta #roster
Ha-Seong Kim has been reinstated. The Braves have 48 hours to make the move necessary to create a roster spot for him.
It's been a disappointing 2026 for Kim who signed with Atlanta in the off-season after ending the 2025 season with the Braves before becoming a free agent. He missed Spring Training and the beginning of the season after suffering a hand injury after slipping on ice in his native South Korea.
In 27 games with Atlanta this season he has hit .068 with only 5 hits in 82 plate appearances. He does not have any extra-base hits with Atlanta this season. He was expected to be the team's starting shortstop but that role has been filled by Mauricio Dubon, Jorge Mateo and, of late, rookie Jim Jarvis.
With or not Kim will get another – and likely final – opportunity to re-claim the starting shortstop role is to be seen. He is a free agent after the season.
#atlanta #roster
3 months ago
Braves insider says bringing Ha-Seong Kim back will create a disconnect within the clubhouse originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves have some important decisions to make in the near future. Ronald Acuña Jr. is nearing a return from his second hamstring injury of the season, which will force the team to make some difficult roster decisions.
The Braves have players such as Brewer Hicklen, Dom Smith, and Jorge Mateo who could be on the chopping block. However, it cannot be forgotten that Ha-Seong Kim is also nearing a return.
“Not far behind the former MVP is the $20 million shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. We all know the story of Kim's struggles thus far in 2026, but reports out of Gwinnett mention HSK is finding more consistent hard contact during his rehab outing,” HTHB’s Chase Owens wrote.
While Kim has been sidelined, the legend of Jim Jarvis has continued to grow in Atlanta. This time last year, the Braves acquired Jarvis in a move that did not seem significant at the time. Now, he has emerged as a legitimate challenge to Kim for playing time.
#Braves #nearing
The Atlanta Braves have some important decisions to make in the near future. Ronald Acuña Jr. is nearing a return from his second hamstring injury of the season, which will force the team to make some difficult roster decisions.
The Braves have players such as Brewer Hicklen, Dom Smith, and Jorge Mateo who could be on the chopping block. However, it cannot be forgotten that Ha-Seong Kim is also nearing a return.
“Not far behind the former MVP is the $20 million shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. We all know the story of Kim's struggles thus far in 2026, but reports out of Gwinnett mention HSK is finding more consistent hard contact during his rehab outing,” HTHB’s Chase Owens wrote.
While Kim has been sidelined, the legend of Jim Jarvis has continued to grow in Atlanta. This time last year, the Braves acquired Jarvis in a move that did not seem significant at the time. Now, he has emerged as a legitimate challenge to Kim for playing time.
#Braves #nearing
3 months ago
The Iowa Cubs activated right-hander Andrew Wentz from the Development List. Left-hander Luis Peralta went to the Development List.
The Iowa Cubs were pulled into the water by Gannett Stripers (Braves), 7-5.
Jace Beck made his Iowa debut and got rocked for five runs on seven hits over three innings. Beck walked two and struck out three. To be fair, the Stripers were once again loaded with major leaguers in the lineup like Ronald Acuńa Jr., Ha-Seong Kim, Carlos Santana, Andrew McCutchen and José Azócar.
The loss went to Andrew Wentz, who allowed two runs, one earned, on four hits over three innings. Wentz struck out five and walked just one.
Catcher Owen Ayers was 2 for 4 with an RBI and one run scored.
#iowa #three #beck
The Iowa Cubs were pulled into the water by Gannett Stripers (Braves), 7-5.
Jace Beck made his Iowa debut and got rocked for five runs on seven hits over three innings. Beck walked two and struck out three. To be fair, the Stripers were once again loaded with major leaguers in the lineup like Ronald Acuńa Jr., Ha-Seong Kim, Carlos Santana, Andrew McCutchen and José Azócar.
The loss went to Andrew Wentz, who allowed two runs, one earned, on four hits over three innings. Wentz struck out five and walked just one.
Catcher Owen Ayers was 2 for 4 with an RBI and one run scored.
#iowa #three #beck
3 months ago
Ronald Acuna Jr. got seven innings in the field and recorded four at bats for the Gwinnett Stripers, and in that time he looked fantastic. Acuna had a first inning single and two more hard hit ****** while also being active on the defensive end. Ha-Seong Kim also had a hit in his rehab appearance.
Box Score
Statcast
Ronald Acuna Jr., RF: 1-4, .222/.333/.222
Ha-Seong Kim, SS: 1-4, 2B, .265/.342/.382
#ronald #gwinnett #score #statcast
Box Score
Statcast
Ronald Acuna Jr., RF: 1-4, .222/.333/.222
Ha-Seong Kim, SS: 1-4, 2B, .265/.342/.382
#ronald #gwinnett #score #statcast
3 months ago
With the All-Star Break here, much of the baseball world has a bit of time away from the diamond. However, there are still some games going on in the minors. And for the Braves, that meant the return to action for Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ha-Seong Kim.
Both Kim and Acuna Jr. had multiple at-bats on the day, and Kim hit a home run in his first plate appearance. While the results will hopefully come for Acuna Jr., it was just great to have him back in action. His return should be a big boost for a Braves team looking to make winning a habit once again.
Ozzie Albies will be batting sixth and Drake Baldwin ninth in the NL All-Star starting lineup.
Tate Southisene had a good weekend at the plate.
Here is a full recap of the Braves 2026 Draft Class.
Both Kim and Acuna Jr. had multiple at-bats on the day, and Kim hit a home run in his first plate appearance. While the results will hopefully come for Acuna Jr., it was just great to have him back in action. His return should be a big boost for a Braves team looking to make winning a habit once again.
Ozzie Albies will be batting sixth and Drake Baldwin ninth in the NL All-Star starting lineup.
Tate Southisene had a good weekend at the plate.
Here is a full recap of the Braves 2026 Draft Class.
3 months ago
Braves trade for .872 OPS NL East shortstop would fix 'revolving door' problem originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves need a more stable solution at shortstop.
Ha-Seong Kim has performed awfully since returning from injury, and Mauricio Dubon is better used as a utility man.
The Braves also have Jorge Mateo, but wouldn't an All-Star shortstop be ideal?
That's what ESPN's Jeff Passan proposed on Thursday as Atlanta's dream trade-deadline match—an All-Star from the NL East who is having a career year at the plate.
The Atlanta Braves need a more stable solution at shortstop.
Ha-Seong Kim has performed awfully since returning from injury, and Mauricio Dubon is better used as a utility man.
The Braves also have Jorge Mateo, but wouldn't an All-Star shortstop be ideal?
That's what ESPN's Jeff Passan proposed on Thursday as Atlanta's dream trade-deadline match—an All-Star from the NL East who is having a career year at the plate.
4 months ago
The Atlanta Braves have made handful of moves this July 4th, with the team placing struggling shortstop Ha-Seong Kim on the injured list with right middle finger inflammation. Taking his place on the roster is utility man Kyle Farmer, who was activated from the IL.
Additionally, the team re-called pitcher JR Ritchie and opted reliever Anthony Molina back to Gwinnett.
Kim’s roster spot has become increasingly precarious as his struggled continued to mount after a late start to the season. He’s hit an unfathomable .239 OPS in 27 games with Atlanta. Shortstop Jim Jarvis was recalled from Gwinnett and started in his first game in Atlanta, with Jorge Mateo getting the call at short in last night’s contest.
Farmer, who saw limited action earlier this season on the end of Atlanta’s bench, does give the team roster flexibility with his ability to play infield, outfield and catch – something he worked on while rehabbing. His ability to the the team’s 3rd catcher – he spend time behind the plate early in his MLB career – provides late-inning flexibility.
Ritchie returns as a rotation and long-man in the bullpen option, but doesn’t resolve the team’s bullpen issues, which is short at least one dedicated reliever. Molina has pitched three times for Atlanta in 2026.
Additionally, the team re-called pitcher JR Ritchie and opted reliever Anthony Molina back to Gwinnett.
Kim’s roster spot has become increasingly precarious as his struggled continued to mount after a late start to the season. He’s hit an unfathomable .239 OPS in 27 games with Atlanta. Shortstop Jim Jarvis was recalled from Gwinnett and started in his first game in Atlanta, with Jorge Mateo getting the call at short in last night’s contest.
Farmer, who saw limited action earlier this season on the end of Atlanta’s bench, does give the team roster flexibility with his ability to play infield, outfield and catch – something he worked on while rehabbing. His ability to the the team’s 3rd catcher – he spend time behind the plate early in his MLB career – provides late-inning flexibility.
Ritchie returns as a rotation and long-man in the bullpen option, but doesn’t resolve the team’s bullpen issues, which is short at least one dedicated reliever. Molina has pitched three times for Atlanta in 2026.
4 months ago
Braves' latest roster move is bad news for struggling Ha-Seong Kim with All-Star break looming originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves are trying to solve a glaring issue that has persisted at the same position since Dansby Swanson left. The team has struggled to find a shortstop who can consistently swing the bat.
Over the winter, the hope was that Ha-Seong Kim would be the answer for this season. That is why Atlanta showed so much faith in signing him to a one-year, $20 million contract.
“Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is returning to the Atlanta Braves, agreeing Monday to a one-year, $20 million contract that addressed a major offseason priority for the team. Kim gets a $4 million raise. He had declined a $16 million player option that was in the two-year, $29 million contract he signed in February with Tampa Bay, a deal that paid him $13 million. The Braves announced the new deal with Kim on Monday night,” ESPN wrote.
So far, Kim has just five hits on the season despite being in the lineup since May. The Braves have tried to remain patient, but his bat has been virtually non-existent.
The Atlanta Braves are trying to solve a glaring issue that has persisted at the same position since Dansby Swanson left. The team has struggled to find a shortstop who can consistently swing the bat.
Over the winter, the hope was that Ha-Seong Kim would be the answer for this season. That is why Atlanta showed so much faith in signing him to a one-year, $20 million contract.
“Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is returning to the Atlanta Braves, agreeing Monday to a one-year, $20 million contract that addressed a major offseason priority for the team. Kim gets a $4 million raise. He had declined a $16 million player option that was in the two-year, $29 million contract he signed in February with Tampa Bay, a deal that paid him $13 million. The Braves announced the new deal with Kim on Monday night,” ESPN wrote.
So far, Kim has just five hits on the season despite being in the lineup since May. The Braves have tried to remain patient, but his bat has been virtually non-existent.
4 months ago
Braves reporter urges organization to part ways with $20M undperforming Gold Glove winner originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves snapped their three-game losing streak on Wednesday night with a win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Atlanta is looking to get back on track after a difficult month of June.
There has been one Brave who hasn't been able to break out of his slump all season, and that is shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. Concerns have been growing since the end of May, when it became clear a decision regarding Kim could eventually have to be made.
“Sounds like the Braves may be approaching a crossroads with Ha-Seong Kim. The belief internally may still be there, but if this continues another couple weeks, it feels like a legitimate ‘what are we doing at shortstop?’ conversation is coming,” 680 The Fan’s Chris Dimino said.
Kim has provided virtually nothing at the plate. Braves manager Walt Weiss has continued to give him opportunities, but the results simply have not been there. His offensive production has been a major disappointment this season.
The Atlanta Braves snapped their three-game losing streak on Wednesday night with a win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Atlanta is looking to get back on track after a difficult month of June.
There has been one Brave who hasn't been able to break out of his slump all season, and that is shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. Concerns have been growing since the end of May, when it became clear a decision regarding Kim could eventually have to be made.
“Sounds like the Braves may be approaching a crossroads with Ha-Seong Kim. The belief internally may still be there, but if this continues another couple weeks, it feels like a legitimate ‘what are we doing at shortstop?’ conversation is coming,” 680 The Fan’s Chris Dimino said.
Kim has provided virtually nothing at the plate. Braves manager Walt Weiss has continued to give him opportunities, but the results simply have not been there. His offensive production has been a major disappointment this season.
4 months ago
Beautiful day in the Bay for the 50th win of the season, who says no?
Well, it may be the Braves offense, if last night is any indication. Logan Webb was as excellent as advertised, unfortunately. It’d be great to see some signs of life in this last West Coast road game of the season by solving Robbie Ray to take the rubber match and series.
The Braves’ lone hit last night came from today’s leadoff man Mauricio Dubón, who remains in left field. Otherwise, it’s a familiar sequence of Michael Harris II, Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, and Drake Baldwin. Baldwin gets the day off behind the plate today with Joey Bart serving as the battery mate for Chris Sale and batting seventh. Mike Yastrzemski started the first two games of this homecoming series, but will sit today with Eli White in right field. Notably, Ha-Seong Kim will start his third consecutive game at shortstop and batting ninth. He worked a walk last night, which I’ll delusionally hope and pray is the beginning of a turnaround.
The Giants will line up as follows behind Ray:
As the excited caption indicates, Heliot Ramos returns from the IL after being sidelined with a right quad strain. He’ll bat sixth as the designated hitter.
Well, it may be the Braves offense, if last night is any indication. Logan Webb was as excellent as advertised, unfortunately. It’d be great to see some signs of life in this last West Coast road game of the season by solving Robbie Ray to take the rubber match and series.
The Braves’ lone hit last night came from today’s leadoff man Mauricio Dubón, who remains in left field. Otherwise, it’s a familiar sequence of Michael Harris II, Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, and Drake Baldwin. Baldwin gets the day off behind the plate today with Joey Bart serving as the battery mate for Chris Sale and batting seventh. Mike Yastrzemski started the first two games of this homecoming series, but will sit today with Eli White in right field. Notably, Ha-Seong Kim will start his third consecutive game at shortstop and batting ninth. He worked a walk last night, which I’ll delusionally hope and pray is the beginning of a turnaround.
The Giants will line up as follows behind Ray:
As the excited caption indicates, Heliot Ramos returns from the IL after being sidelined with a right quad strain. He’ll bat sixth as the designated hitter.
4 months ago
Early contact seemed to promise an offensive outburst. Like a summer storm, clouds gathered their arms and threatened rain in the 1st. Distant light flashed, thunder rumbled under the evening's dark breath. Luis Arraez and Rafael Devers peppered extra base hits off faraway walls in center and right-center. Loud doubles that would've disappeared over walls in the majority of Major League parks. Jung Hoo Lee smoked a liner past Braves' starter Reynaldo López's ear that seemed destined for the outfield — if not for Ha-Seong Kim's ensnaring lunge into the gap.
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Instead of a second run scoring, the Giants first half-inning ended, and the burgeoning storm dissipated — because there are no summer storms in San Francisco, just the smothering, knock-down damp of the marine layer. Rare is the release, when the heavens open up and rain buckets down, refreshing everything below. There is no cool, just blanket-wrapped-around-the-knees cold in San Francisco.
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Devers's RBI double scored Casey Schmitt from first in the 1st, and that was it for the Giants in Friday's 3-1 loss to the Braves.
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Instead of a second run scoring, the Giants first half-inning ended, and the burgeoning storm dissipated — because there are no summer storms in San Francisco, just the smothering, knock-down damp of the marine layer. Rare is the release, when the heavens open up and rain buckets down, refreshing everything below. There is no cool, just blanket-wrapped-around-the-knees cold in San Francisco.
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Devers's RBI double scored Casey Schmitt from first in the 1st, and that was it for the Giants in Friday's 3-1 loss to the Braves.
4 months ago
The struggle has become apparent for this Atlanta Braves team, who are currently on a three-game losing streak. The name of the game is to score early and not let up…of course, pitching will have to do a pretty solid job as well to keep the San Diego Padres from finishing what they started in Tuesday night’s matchup.
Let’s take a look at these lineups for the series finale.
In today’s Baldwin-less lineup, Mauricio Dubón is leading off and playing left field with Ha-Seong Kim– who’s averaging .500 against San Diego’s JP Sears in his two total past at-bats– will be batting in the ninth hole while taking over shortstop for the night.
Jorge Mateo has returned as DH and is hoping for better production since his last three-hitless outings. As for the remainder of the lineup, well, let’s just say, they have a big advantage against San Diego’s lefty, and would be amiss not to take it.
As for the Padres, with Sears on the mound, after recently being called up from Triple-A, due to Lucas Giolito being placed on the 15-day IL (right elbow inflammation), he’s looking for the offense to hold it down, in case the Braves decide to take advantage of the 56 runs and 28 walks he’s earned so far this season in the minors.
Let’s take a look at these lineups for the series finale.
In today’s Baldwin-less lineup, Mauricio Dubón is leading off and playing left field with Ha-Seong Kim– who’s averaging .500 against San Diego’s JP Sears in his two total past at-bats– will be batting in the ninth hole while taking over shortstop for the night.
Jorge Mateo has returned as DH and is hoping for better production since his last three-hitless outings. As for the remainder of the lineup, well, let’s just say, they have a big advantage against San Diego’s lefty, and would be amiss not to take it.
As for the Padres, with Sears on the mound, after recently being called up from Triple-A, due to Lucas Giolito being placed on the 15-day IL (right elbow inflammation), he’s looking for the offense to hold it down, in case the Braves decide to take advantage of the 56 runs and 28 walks he’s earned so far this season in the minors.
4 months ago
Braves trade for former No. 2 pick in vital move to fix glaring problem, release World Series champ originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves have lost six of their last seven games, marking their most disappointing stretch of the season so far.
The Braves have dealt with several issues, whether it's injuries, a starting rotation that hasn't performed as well lately, or a lineup that has gone cold. At the plate, no position has struggled more than catcher since Drake Baldwin was injured.
“Braves catchers are 1-for-40 over the past 13 games,” MLB writer Jason Foster posted.
Fortunately for Atlanta, Baldwin has returned as the primary catcher, which should provide a boost. When Ha-Seong Kim is in the lineup, it often feels like he and whoever is behind the plate are automatic outs. The good news is that general manager Alex Anthopoulos has already hinted that the Braves will be active at the trade deadline.
The Atlanta Braves have lost six of their last seven games, marking their most disappointing stretch of the season so far.
The Braves have dealt with several issues, whether it's injuries, a starting rotation that hasn't performed as well lately, or a lineup that has gone cold. At the plate, no position has struggled more than catcher since Drake Baldwin was injured.
“Braves catchers are 1-for-40 over the past 13 games,” MLB writer Jason Foster posted.
Fortunately for Atlanta, Baldwin has returned as the primary catcher, which should provide a boost. When Ha-Seong Kim is in the lineup, it often feels like he and whoever is behind the plate are automatic outs. The good news is that general manager Alex Anthopoulos has already hinted that the Braves will be active at the trade deadline.
6 months ago
Braves Minor League Recap: Tate Southisene extends on-base streak to 15 games
Ha-Seong Kim, SS: 2-for-4, R, .500/.500/.500
Nacho Alvarez Jr., 3B: 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, R, .216/.284/.340
Ben Gamel, LF: 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, R, .195/.303/.390
Elieser Hernández, SP: 5.2IP 7H 3ER 2BB 6K, 5.71 ERA
Box Score
https://sports.yahoo.com/a...
Ha-Seong Kim, SS: 2-for-4, R, .500/.500/.500
Nacho Alvarez Jr., 3B: 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, R, .216/.284/.340
Ben Gamel, LF: 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, R, .195/.303/.390
Elieser Hernández, SP: 5.2IP 7H 3ER 2BB 6K, 5.71 ERA
Box Score
https://sports.yahoo.com/a...