The Atlanta Braves may sit out this winter and yet expect big roster improvements in 2025.
Ronald Acuña Jr., Spencer Strider, and Austin Riley are anticipated to return next season and contribute to the team’s seventh consecutive playoff appearance. However, some parts could benefit from an exterior addition.
After veteran southpaw Max Fried signed a long-term contract with the New York Yankees, the Braves could use another rotation player, even if Strider returns to form. And the infield is set to receive a significant external addition, with Just Baseball’s Ryan Finklestein forecasting that the Braves would sign Ha-Seong Kim to a five-year, $60 million contract.
“One of the most versatile free agents in this class, Ha-Seong Kim is an elite defender, who could slot in as a team’s starting shortstop, or continue to thrive in a super utility role,” says Finklestein. “Having turned just 29 years old in October, Kim will have the benefit of signing a long-term deal, which could span even beyond the five years we’re projecting.”
In 2024, Kim slashed .233/.330/.370 for the San Diego Padres but missed the team’s playoff run as he was shut down with a shoulder injury that will keep him out for the beginning of the 2025 season as well. But in 2023, he slashed .260/.351/.398 with an All-Star nod and Most Valuable Player Award votes — all while playing a healthy mix of third base, second base and shortstop.
Kim’s versatility and offensive potential make him a good fit for many teams, despite his injury troubles. He could be an offensive boost over Orlando Arcia, the Braves’ starting shortstop in 2023 and 2024. However, Arcia is due to earn only $2 million in 2025, with another $2 million club option in 2026, so if the Braves sign Kim, they may decide to maintain Arcia as a utility bench option.
For a team with as many injuries as the Braves in 2024, adding Kim would provide some insurance at multiple infield positions. And if they believe Kim will return to his offensive form in 2023, he may be a significant addition to the infield.
