One of the more exciting storylines of the Atlanta Braves' final months was the surprise emergence of shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, who was claimed off waivers at the start of September. The Braves opted to give Kim starting reps, trying out for a future role either as a starter or expensive utility piece. The increased playing time affected fellow SS Nick Allen, who started the majority of the season after Orlando Arcia was an early-season roster cut.
Allen's defensive gems kept an underwhelming bat in the lineup. , but the breaking point proved to be the second half of the year when he was unable to reach the Mendoza line. The at-bats were consistently quality, but the contact simply lacked enough power to get over anyone's head or find gaps. Considering how Kim's bat has seen the complete opposite success on top of his holding a $16 million player option, per Spotrac, it's safe to say Allen's time with the Braves is ending.
Braves SS Ha-Seong Kim Has Left Nick Allen Expendable This Winter
Even if Kim doesn't pick up his player option, it makes sense for both sides to explore an extended partnership. This doesn't mean the Braves can't swing big at the position, but it gives them a great fallback if finding outside help fails.
With Kim on the roster, the Braves have a flexible infielder who has a higher offensive upside. Leaving zero reason to believe Allen's career in Atlanta is going to continue. If that is the case, the 26-year-old shortstop is going to be remembered for his endless defensive highlights and fun underdog story that helped define the early days of the season. Unfortunately, there's little to remember beyond that.
Kim has proven he's a capable starter while also giving Atlanta security to swing for a bigger option. Even if he doesn't play shortstop, he's spent time second and third, too, giving manager Brian Snitker a versatile hand who can open the door to numerous lineup combinations.
Allen was already on thin ice before Kim's arrival, and his standing with the Braves is even worse now that the latter has proved himself. The San Diego, CA native won't be a free agent until 2030, though, meaning Atlanta might have to find a team willing to take him on if this winter is the end of his time with the franchise.