When the Atlanta Braves re-signed Ha-Seong Kim after a short tryout from the veteran in the 2025 season, it appeared to be a wise move. Kim's recent offensive performance didn't match his career norms, and there was reason to believe the infielder would thrive within Atlanta's stacked lineup. Instead, Kim dealt with an injury early in the season and opened the door for Jorge Mateo and Mauricio Dubon to make compelling cases as to why they should remain in the starting lineup.
For Kim, this turned up the pressure, and this instantly resulted in a slump when the shortstop returned to the lineup. It is a slump; there have been few signs of slowing down, with the infielder being a clear liability at the plate and forcing manager Walt Weiss to put what was expected to be an important starter on the bench.
With this in mind, Kim is clearly a waste of a roster spot and a player the Braves should attempt to shed at this year's trade deadline. It is an expiring contract that should be moved with ease and open up a spot for a player more capable of contributing to what has become a stacked roster. Mateo and Dubon haven't given any reason to believe the Braves won't be better off by opting to trade away Kim.
Braves Must Trade Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim Ahead of 2026 Trade Deadline
Trading away Kim isn't about what you can receive in return for the infielder, but handing the veteran a needed change of scenery. For the Braves, it is a chance to clear a roster spot that could be used for a player who has a bit more of a chance of being an important contributor or making a postseason roster.
Mateo and Dubon can play all over the infield and handle duties in left field, giving the roster an incredible level of flexibility. Carrying three starting shortstop options isn't needed, and as surprising as it has been to watch unfold, it appears that Kim is the odd man out. Whether it is career regression or simply the pressure of the expectations, there hasn't been any debating that the results leave something to be desired.
Kim shouldn't be surprised by a potential deal and should be shipped away unless there is a clubhouse impact that fans simply aren't seeing. Unless this is the case, Atlanta's roster is better off moving on from a piece failing to live up to expectations and allowing the Braves to make the best use of what appears to be a wasted roster spot.
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