Ha-Seong Kim will go down as one of the worst free agents in Braves franchise history, which is pretty incredible considering he signed a one-year contract.
Atlanta inked him for $20 million last offseason, and the problems began well before the season started, when he slipped on ice while in Korea and suffered a hand injury that required surgery. That cost him the first two months, and when he returned, he only lasted about 30 games as the starter before he was essentially replaced.
In total, Kim appeared in 51 games for the Braves, hitting an almost unthinkable .116 with just two extra-base hits — good for a .359 OPS and -0.7 WAR. It was a complete waste of $20 million, and a decision that seriously hurt the Braves’ chances of pushing the truly elite teams in the National League.
Atlanta should have no interest in bringing Kim back, but it does appear someone in their division is considering him as an option. According to Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia, Kim is on the Phillies’ radar as the offseason begins.
“According to sources, the Phillies are eyeing that type of player in free agent Ha-Seong Kim,” Salisbury writes. “The veteran infielder has played mostly shortstop during his six seasons in the majors. The Atlanta Braves signed him to a one-year, $20 million contract last December and planned to use him as their regular shortstop in 2026. That plan collapsed a month later when Kim tore a tendon in the middle finger of his right hand when he slipped on ice in his native South Korea. The injury required surgery and Kim was limited to just 51 games.
“Mauricio Dubon filled much of the Braves’ void at shortstop and had a strong season, helping the club hold off the Phillies to win the NL East. Dubon is also a free agent. He would have the versatility the Phillies need, but he’s looking for a multi-year deal and the Phillies seem to prefer a shorter deal for a bounce-back candidate in the role.
“Kim, 31, would fit that description.”
Kim at $20 million turned out to be a disaster. However, the hand injury really threw a wrench into his entire season, and it’s very possible that’s why he struggled so much after returning. Kim isn’t going to be looking at the same type of contract this offseason because of it, which does make him an intriguing buy-low candidate. He’s still just 31 years old, and a change of scenery could do him wonders.
That said, I’m much more interested in the Phillies taking that roll of the dice than the Braves.
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Photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire