Ha-Seong Kim has already done something no Braves shortstop has done in 2025

It took all of two games for Ha-Seong Kim to accomplish something that no other Braves shortstop has done this year.

With Atlanta trailing by a run in the seventh inning, Kim launched a no doubter into the Wrigley Field bleachers. The blast proved to be the game-winner, and it was also the first time a shortstop has homered this year for the Braves.

https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1963411817939497291

Kim is now 3-for-8 with a tomahawk across his chest, and there’s no doubt he can be a boost from what the Braves have been trotting out at shortstop.

The only issue with him potentially playing well down the stretch is that he might decide to opt out of his $16 million player option for next season. It feels unlikely, given he’s only played in 26 games this season, but Kim is a Scott Boras client after all. He didn’t hire the world’s most profound agent to take pay cuts.

On another positive note, Ozzie Albies blasted his sixth homer in 20 games, and his third from the right side. Prior to that stretch, the Braves second baseman had not homered right-handed all season, an odd stat given he sports an OPS of nearly .900 for his career against southpaws.

It’s evident Albies is starting to regain his power stroke as he further distances himself from the wrist injury he suffered last season. The Braves will pick up his option for 2026, and he’ll be the club’s starting second baseball, hopefully, next to Ha-Seong Kim.