The Atlanta Braves are closing in on Ha-Seong Kim's return as the shortstop joined the Gwinnett Stripers over the weekend after going to the IL with inflammation in the hand that required surgery in the offseason. For Kim, it is a welcome sign of progress, while it presents a clear issue for the Braves team that is better when not handing the infielder a roster spot. This is despite investing over $20 million for Kim to return and hold down a starting role that has remained an issue since Dansby Swanson's 2023 departure.
No question, Kim coming back isn't great news for the Braves but points to a continued frustration. The shortstop has been to the plate 73 times and hit .068 while striking out 22 times and being completely lost at the plate. Atlanta is far better off with Jim Jarvis, Mauricio Dubon, or Jorge Mateo in the starting lineup and in the middle infield.
Kim is a solid defender but isn't playing at a high enough of a level offensively to even use in a bench role of any note. The Braves must punt on the failed signing, either attempting to pass the shortstop through waivers or finding a trade partner willing to take on a reclamation project. As drastic as this might seem, if the Braves are going to play winning baseball, it is obvious Kim isn't a part of this.
Braves Must Part Ways with Ha-Seong Kim After Undeniably Frustrating First Half
Kim could be a compelling piece for a team that looks at the infielder's resume and believes there will be positive regression. This arguably could be the case for the Braves, but the issue remains a tight division race, leaving so little margin for error. You cannot start a player unable to hit above .100 and truly believe you can hold off a loaded Philadelphia Phillies roster.
Atlanta needs a hot start to the second-half to be able to hold off the surging Phillies. This means putting your best players on the field no matter what their paycheck says. Manager Walt Weiss has been aggressive about starting players he believes give the franchise its best chance to win each night.
Even as these options have waned, it is impossible not ot point to better options existing over Kim. To put it simply, the Braves must part ways with a failed signing, understanding that winning comes above all else, and right now the infielder has proven to be an offensive liability.
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