The Atlanta Braves have experienced a rather quiet offseason.
They require an improvement at shortstop and might acquire one from the San Diego Padres in the upcoming free agency period.
In a discussion of potential destinations for the best available free agents, Just Baseball’s Ryan Finkelstein forecasted that the Braves would acquire Padres infielder Ha-Seong Kim with a five-year, $60 million contract.
“One team that might benefit from a shortstop is the Atlanta Braves, though the cost might be too high for them to handle since Orlando Arcia earns only $2 million annually.” “Arcia provides solid defense at shortstop similar to Kim, but he doesn’t hit nearly as well,” Finkelstein wrote. “The truth is, any team can accommodate a player as adaptable as Ha-Seong Kim.”
Arcia failed to meet the expectations he established after being named an All-Star in 2023. His OPS decreased from .741 to .625. He accumulated only 46 RBIs throughout the season.
Kim experienced a challenging year in 2024. He concluded the season prematurely due to requiring surgery for his labrum injury. He is anticipated to miss the beginning of the 2025 season. Last season, he recorded an average of .233 and hit 11 home runs. In 2023, he earned a utility Gold Glove and recorded a slash line of .260/.351/.398 along with 17 home runs.
His adaptability on defense provides the Braves with some options in the event of injuries. His cost might appear high, but if he can return to the form he showed in 2023, they could find a resolution to their shortstop issue.
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