2025 Transactions: Ha-Seong Kim, Andrew Heaney Find New Homes

More transactions made over the 24-48 hours trickled out on September 1. The Dodgers reunited with old friend Andrew Heaney, as he re-joins the organization for the stretch run. The Braves, meanwhile, are looking towards 2026 and acquired Ha-Seong Kim off waivers.

Kim claimed by Braves

The Braves claimed Ha-Seong Kim off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays.

Kim signed with the Rays this past winter after a strong career with the Padres, one that saw him play sound defense at short and help out offensively with both his bat and eye. However, Kim was signed knowing he would not be ready for the start of 2025 as he recovered from shoulder surgery.

He slashed .214/.290/.321 (.611 OPS) across 93 plate appearances for the Rays this season. Kim didn’t make his season debut until July 4 and had two IL stints afterwards. He’s currently on the injured list with back inflammation.

Aside from the fact that he was injury-bitten this season, what complicated Kim’s status in Tampa was Carson Williams. Williams was promoted in August and brings an exciting blend of power, speed, and defensive prowess. The 22-year-old Williams will likely enter 2026 as the favorite to win the starting shortstop.

Atlanta’s used multiple different shortstops over the last few seasons, including Orlando Arcia, Nacho Alvarez Jr., and Nick Allen. Both Alvarez Jr. and Allen are still on the team.

Allen’s been the Braves’ primary shortstop this season. He’s an exceptional defender, as he ranks third among shortstops in the Majors in Outs Above Average (+15). Allen, though, is a soft-hitting infielder.

Kim has a $16MM player option for 2026, one he’ll likely exercise given he has missed so much time this year.

Heaney signs with Dodgers

The Dodgers signed Andrew Heaney just before September 1, making him postseason-eligible. Heaney was assigned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Heaney spent the 2022 season with the Dodgers after stints with the Marlins, Angels, and Yankees. The Dodgers turned Heaney into an essential two-pitch pitcher, as he used his running fastball and slider a combined 95% of the time, completely ditching his curveball. That strategy mostly worked.

Even though Heaney gave up a lot of well-hit contact (11% Barrel%, 14 HR over 72.2 IP), the left-hander struck out 110 batters for the Dodgers that year.

Since then, he’s slowly lost velocity. Heaney averaged 93 MPH back in 2022. This year? 90.1 MPH.

Heaney was released by the Pirates in late August.