How Scott Boras could throw wrench in the Braves’ gamble

When the Braves claimed Ha-Seong Kim off waivers from the Rays earlier in the week, it was quite the gamble.

At the time, Kim had only played in 24 games for Tampa Bay due to various injuries, and in the games he did play, there wasn’t a lot to like. He hit just .214 with a couple of home runs and a .612 OPS, not much better production than Nick Allen was providing the Braves. Still, out of desperation for stability at shortstop, Atlanta decided to roll the dice, claiming him and taking on the remainder of his contract — which includes a $16 million player option for 2026.

Most assumed Kim would opt in, given his struggles this year. But if he finishes the season strong, there’s a real possibility he tests free agency instead.

It took all of two games for Kim to make an impact for the Braves. He’s an elite defensive player and already has three hits, including a go-ahead home run on Wednesday night against the Cubs, which was the first home run from a Braves shortstop all season. When healthy, there’s no question he’s worth every penny of the $16 million he’s owed next season.

From 2021-2024, Ha-Seong Kim averaged 3.8 WAR for the San Diego Padres before an injury derailed his walk year. His health going into 2025 came into question, which is why he was forced to settle for a two-year deal with an opt out clause after year one.

That’s well below market value for a player of his caliber. Elite defensive shortstops that are league average with the stick typically cost north of $100 million, just look at the $177 million contract Dansby Swanson signed with the Cubs.

So, it’s very possible — now that Kim is healthy — several teams would be interested in signing him to a multi-year deal, especially if he ends the year on a high note.

That’s where MLB super agent Scott Boras comes into all of this. There’s a reason the Braves don’t deal with Boras clients. He’s notorious for squeezing every penny out of organizations, and Atlanta has never been a team that gets involved in bidding wars for top free agents. Alex Anthopoulos is all about value, and it’s almost impossible to find that when dealing with Scott Boras, which is why players hire him.

That dynamic raises an interesting question: will Anthopoulos further his investment and try to extend Kim now, before he can even think about testing the market? It wouldn’t be unprecedented. Anthopoulos handed Chris Sale an extension before he even threw a pitch in a Braves uniform — betting on upside despite years of health concerns.

If Kim opts out and hits free agency, the Braves’ chances of keeping him shrink dramatically. If Anthopoulos believes Kim is the long-term answer at shortstop, it might be better to act sooner rather than later.