The Atlanta Braves made headlines this past week, bringing in former Tampa shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. It was a waiver claim that sent a strong message when it comes to the playing time of current shortstop Nick Allen.
Kim has a team option for the 2026 season, leaving the Braves a month to evaluate the infielder and see if there is a future fit. Historically, Kim is an incredible defender and an average hitter.
Something that is an undeniable upgrade over Allen's current level of production. It is difficult to take the shortstop's glove out of the lineup, but the offensive results haven't been near league average for the last months of the season. Since the second half of the year has begun, the 26-year-old infielder is yet to reach the Mendoza line. A glaring stat that points to ugly at-bats that expose a lack of power and needed hard contact.
Braves Must Bench Struggling SS Nick Allen in September
Allen has so much value manning the middle of the Atlanta infield, finding a way to consistently make highlight plays. His arm and range have covered for most of the season what has been an awful offensive performance. The Braves keep hoping the bat will catch fire again as it did at the start of the season. Looking for every possible excuse to keep the glove in the lineup and hope they've found a future affordable answer.
However, it is past time to give up on this and allow Allen to go into a bench role. This doesn't mean they can't bring him back for the 2026 season as a pinch runner and defensive replacement. Rather, it is pointing out the reality that the Braves need a better offensive performance, and that is only going to happen if Allen is benched and other options get their chance.
Kim appears poised to be the first option the Braves explore through the final month of the year. They must decide if their newest player is worth next season's price tag and could be an answer at the bottom of the lineup. Kim is slashing .241/.325/.377 with 49 home runs and 205 RBIs throughout his career, offering average production, but with much higher upside and more consistent than Allen.
This leaves no choice but to send Allen to the bench for much of the next month and evaluate Kim as the next possible answer. It is difficult to gauge Atlanta's level of interest in keeping either of its current options. Next season's market does offer Bo Bichette and a handful of more proven hitters that would help bolster Atlanta's lineup, meaning the Braves' future at SS could be a long-term project.
Still, it makes sense to bench Allen over the next month and find out what Kim can bring to the roster. Even in a small sample size, it makes sense to pivot. The Braves are already well aware of what Allen is going to bring to the lineup each night. There isn't a reason to continue to evaluate a proven piece in a lost season. It is Kim's turn to start and give the Braves front office an answer on his potential fit moving beyond the 2025 season.