The Atlanta Braves have built their reputation on timing — in the batter’s box, on the mound, and in the front office. But as the offseason takes shape, their clock may be ticking faster than ever.
According to multiple league insiders, Ha-Seong Kim, the dynamic Korean infielder currently with the San Diego Padres, could soon hit the market — and Atlanta’s window to act is shrinking. The Braves, known for their aggressive yet calculated approach to roster building, are reportedly one of several teams evaluating Kim as a potential solution to their infield puzzle.
Kim, 29, is entering the final year of his contract and has quickly become one of MLB’s most coveted all-around players. His elite glove, positional flexibility, and underrated offensive production have turned him into a front-office favorite across the league. And while the Padres have expressed interest in retaining him, financial constraints and trade whispers have kept the door open for teams like Atlanta to make a move.
“This is the kind of player who can change a lineup and a clubhouse,” one National League scout told The Athletic. “He plays the game the right way — hard, smart, and fearless. Atlanta’s style fits him perfectly.”
That fit is precisely what makes this so urgent. The Braves, still licking their wounds from another October disappointment, are quietly reshaping their roster around their championship core. With uncertainty surrounding their infield depth and long-term plans at shortstop and second base, Kim represents the kind of two-way player who could extend Atlanta’s competitive window without disrupting its chemistry.
But timing is everything. Sources suggest multiple West Coast teams, including the Dodgers and Giants, are monitoring Kim’s status closely. His rising market value and limited availability could create a bidding war — one that may not last long.
“He’s not a free agent, but he’s a rare opportunity,” said one executive familiar with the situation. “If you wait too long, someone else will move first. And with Kim, that means missing out on both elite defense and leadership.”
Kim’s impact in San Diego has gone beyond statistics. In 2023, he ranked among the top infielders in Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average, while improving his offensive game to post a career-best on-base percentage. His charisma and work ethic have made him a fan favorite and a respected leader in the Padres clubhouse.
For the Braves, who value clubhouse culture as much as on-field talent, that combination could be priceless. Manager Brian Snitker has built his success on blending stars with grinders — and Kim’s humble, relentless style embodies that philosophy.
Still, there are questions. Would Atlanta be willing to part with key prospects or take on an extension-level commitment for a player entering his 30s? Would Kim be open to leaving the West Coast, where he’s built his American baseball identity?
The Braves’ front office has made bold moves before — trading for Matt Olson, locking up Ronald Acuña Jr. and Austin Riley, and retooling around a long-term vision. But this offseason feels different. The competition is fierce, the margins thin, and the window shorter than ever.
Ha-Seong Kim may not be a headline-grabbing superstar, but he might be the difference between another October heartbreak and another World Series banner.
And if the Braves truly want him, they’ll have to move fast — because baseball’s clock, just like Kim’s range at second base, never stops moving.
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