When the Tampa Bay Rays opted to cut some salary down the stretch in 2025, the Atlanta Braves leveraged their waiver wire position to infuse some offense at shortstop and attempt to improve their position for 2026 by taking on a few million in salary.

How acquired

The Braves claimed infielder — and with Atlanta, shortstop — Ha-Seong Kim off waivers on September 1. Kim made his stateside debut with the San Diego Padres in 2021 after seven seasons in the KBO. After a 2024 season cut short by injuries, Kim signed with the Rays prior to the 2025 season as a free agent on what was ostensibly a pillow contract: $13 million in 2025 with a $16 million player option for 2026.

What were the expectations?

This was a low-risk move by Atlanta. The team started with season with Orlando Arcia as the

See Full Page