MLB Kim Ha-seong, Stay or Move? "Atlanta's Biggest Challenge"

Option to be exercised within 5 days of World Series conclusion

Kim Ha-seong's camp: "Discussing with US agent domestically... carefully considering"

MLB player Kim Ha-seong returns to Korea (Incheon International Airport=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Dong-chan = infielder Kim Ha-seong, who plays for the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball (MLB), is interviewed by reporters after returning to Korea through Incheon International Airport on the 9th. 2025.10.9 emailid@yna.co.kr

MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball (MLB), highlighted that infielder Kim Ha-seong's (26) future has become Atlanta Braves' biggest offseason challenge.

On the 30th (Korean time), MLB.com listed Atlanta's offseason challenges, pointing out the problems that would arise if Kim Ha-seong leaves the Braves.

The outlet explained, "Kim Ha-seong must decide whether to exercise his option within five days of the World Series (WS) conclusion," and added, "Atlanta can only hold exclusive negotiation rights with Kim Ha-seong until then, so they must quickly decide on a multi-year contract."

It further stated, "The current free agent (FA) market lacks suitable shortstops, which puts Atlanta in an unfavorable situation," and predicted, "If Kim Ha-seong signs with another team, it will be difficult for Atlanta to maintain its roster strength."

As MLB.com explained, there are no top-tier shortstops hitting the market this winter.

Bo Bichette, the starting shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays, who are currently playing in the WS, missed the end of the regular season due to a left knee injury and has primarily played as a designated hitter in the WS.

MLB.com commented, "Bichette has an injury history and his defensive capabilities are lacking," and predicted, "Trevor Story (Boston Red Sox) could fill the void, but he is highly likely to remain with Boston."

The outlet added, "The best available shortstop in the current winter market is likely Kim Ha-seong."

Atlanta does not appear to have many ways to perfectly replace Kim Ha-seong.

The outlet suggested, "If Atlanta fails to re-sign Kim Ha-seong, they will need to acquire an FA infielder with below-average skills, such as Isaiah Kiner-Falefa (Toronto), or secure a replacement through a trade."

Kim Ha-seong became eligible for free agency after the 2024 season and signed a two-year, $29 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, including an opt-out clause (right to terminate the contract) after the 2025 season.

Kim Ha-seong, who did not perform to his full potential this season due to frequent injuries, was released by the Rays last month and immediately joined Atlanta.

After his move, Kim Ha-seong picked up his pace and finished the season with a batting average of .234, 5 home runs, 17 RBIs, and 6 stolen bases.

Kim Ha-seong has the option to play for Atlanta next year for $16 million (approximately 22.8 billion won) or exercise his opt-out and enter the FA market.

A source close to Kim Ha-seong told Yonhap News on the same day, "Kim Ha-seong is currently staying in Korea and is carefully considering his future moves while having video conferences with his US agent."

He added, "There is still time, so he will take his time to consider."

Meanwhile, Atlanta also needs to appoint a new manager.

After failing to make the postseason, Atlanta moved manager Brian Snitker to a special advisor role earlier this month.

MLB.com listed Danny Lehmann, bench coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and George Lombard, bench coach for the Detroit Tigers, as candidates for the new managerial position. Yonhap News