Report: Ha-Seong Kim opts out of contract with Braves

The Braves claimed Ha-Seong Kim off waivers for the final month of the season, and he went on to hit .253 with a .684 OPS over 24 games in Atlanta while playing stellar defense at shortstop.

Originally, the Braves likely hoped there was at least a chance Kim would opt in for the 2026 season, but as the market landscape became clearer, it was an obvious decision for him to decline. The shortstop market this winter is paper-thin, and even after an injury-riddled season in which he appeared in just 48 games, Kim will almost certainly attract several multi-year offers in free agency.

The Braves have already made it clear they’d like him back, but the market will ultimately decide whether that’s realistic. If Kim’s market settles in the range of a two- or three-year deal, that would be right in Alex Anthopoulos’ wheelhouse. Anything longer, though, could push Atlanta out of the running and force them to consider alternative options at shortstop.