The Atlanta Braves continued to bolster their roster on Monday night, announcing the signing of shortstop Ha-Seong Kim to a one-year, $20 million deal. He's the fourth free-agent signee in the past month as the Braves try to get back into the postseason conversation after going 76-86 in 2024.
The Atlanta Braves finished 76-86 a year ago, 20 games behind National League East champ Philadelphia, and they missed the playoffs for the first time in seven years.
They didn't like it one bit.
The proud franchise has vowed to make that disaster just a one-year thing, with plans to get back into the postseason mix in 2026. They've added a few pieces this month, and most recently announced Monday night that they had signed shortstop Ha-Seong Kim to a one-year, $20 million deal.
Kim, a decent offensive threat with outstanding defensive skills, improves their middle infield dramatically.
Here's the original story from Braves Roundtable writer Gavin Groe. Later on Monday, the Braves made it official.
Kim played four seasons with the San Diego Padres, but suffered a torn labrum late in 2024 and required surgery. He signed a free-agent deal with Tampa Bay, but didn't make his debut until July 4, with the shoulder rehab taking longer than expected. He hit just .214 for the Rays, and was released by the Rays in late August. He had a $16 million second-year option that the Rays had no interest in picking up.
The 30-year-old from South Korea batted .253 with three home runs in 23 games for Braves, who claimed him off waivers Sept. 1. They saw enough of him to know they've got a good one. His numbers for 2025 weren't great, but he's got a solid track record from his four years in San Diego.
"This contract reflects our belief in him, and he's a much better player," Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said of Kim's 2025 statistics. "We think we've got a very good chance to get the guy he was with San Diego.''
The Braves opted for the one-year deal for now, but may talk about a long-term deal with Kim.
"Come here, be the player you can be, have a great year and get the contract you deserve," Anthopoulos said.
The Braves also added infielder Mauricio Dubon recently, and with Kim in the fold, he'll likely be more of a utility player. They added outfielder depth as well by signing Mike Yastrzemski to a two-year, $23 million deal.
The Braves also bolstered their bullpen when they signed Robert Suarez to a three-year, $45 million deal. Suarez, who combined for 76 saves for the Padres over the past two seasons, will be more of a set-up man with Atlanta. Raisel Iglesias is the entrenched closer.
The Braves also have a new manager in Walt Weiss, who replaced the retired Brian Snitker. Weiss is 62 years and has been around the game for a long time. He's looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead. He managed the Colorado Rockies from 2012-16 and was a coach with the Braves since 2018.
“There's some things to fall back on, but at the end of the day, it's got to be me with my voice and my touch,” Weiss said. “I understand that. But I've learned a lot from all those people I've been around -- from Tony (LaRussa) in the beginning to [Brian Snitker], and everybody in between.
"I’ll take a little bit from all of them. But at the end of the day, it's going to be my voice. So, it'll be me, and it'll be different from anybody else that I've been around.”
Tom Brew is the National Editor-in-Chief at Roundtable Sports. You can follow him in Twitter (X) @tombrewsports
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