The Atlanta Braves are having a very steady and active offseason to this point. They made two great depth signings by adding Robert Suarez on a $45 million deal, and also reached a contract agreement with outfielder Mike Yastrzemski.
Both positions were considered a need for Atlanta, and Alex Anthopoulos has delivered in both aspects. A recent report by MLB Network’s Jon Morosi indicated that the Atlanta Braves could be the favorite to land free agent Bo Bichette if the Blue Jays signed Kyle Tucker first. However, a recent signing by the Braves hurts their chances to land the two-time All-Star shortstop Bichette.
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Braves Sign Ha-Seong Kim to $20 Million Deal
The Atlanta Braves have cleared up their hole at shortstop with the signing of shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. According to Jon Heyman, Atlanta has reached an agreement on a one-year, $20 million contract for Kim.
Atlanta traded for Mauricio Dubon in late November, which got rid of Nick Allen, who was not a good player for Atlanta in 2025.
It took the Braves nearly 140 games last season to receive their first home run out of a shortstop, and it came from Ha-Seong Kim, who was claimed by the Braves off waivers in August.
GettyBlue Jays get best-case scenario news on offseason pursuit.
In 24 games with Atlanta in 2025, Kim hit 3 home runs and posted a .253 average. He only played in 48 games total in 2025. $20 million seems like a slight overpay who has been a below-average hitter over the last two seasons.
However, Kim had a lot of leverage in the shortstop free agency class, because it gets really thin after Bichette and Kim. Bo Bichette is the clear best option, but Kim figured to be the next best option, and Atlanta met his demands.
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What Does This Mean for Bo Bichette’s Market?
What does this Ha-Seong Kim signing mean for the Bo Bichette market? That essentially takes the Braves out of the race, but if Kim had demanded an AAV of $20 million, Bichette is sure to land a deal north of $200 million now.
The Braves bringing back Kim will give them some defensive versatility in the middle infield and at third base. Dubón provides a strong utility presence, and Kim could slot in as the everyday shortstop.
As for Bichette, it will be one of MLB’s biggest storylines for the remainder of this offseason. Other teams that need infielders are the Detroit Tigers, the Orioles, and the Boston Red Sox (if Bregman signs elsewhere).
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