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The Atlanta Braves added Ha-Seong Kim to the roster.
The Atlanta Braves roster will regain a key player for a huge series against the Chicago Cubs beginning on Tuesday, May 12.
Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim was activated from the injured list, the team announced. Kim is taking the roster spot of outfielder Eli White, who heads to the IL due to a concussion.
Atlanta re-signed Kim to a one-year, $20 million contract this offseason. A right middle finger laceration sidelined the 30-year-old for the first six weeks of the year. Kim spent 24 games with Atlanta in 2025. He slashed .253/.316/.368 in 98 plate appearances. The Braves’ roster has leaned on Mauricio Dubon and Jorge Mateo to fill the void at shortstop.
Atlanta Braves Roster News: Ha-Seong Kim Back From Injured List, Eli White Out With Concussion
Kim came over to the Braves via waiver claim from the Tampa Bay Rays. His former club was wary of a pending $16 million player option. Kim declined the opportunity to remain with the Braves for $16 million and hit the open market. Atlanta ultimately forked over an additional $4 million to get him back on the roster.
The San Diego Padres signed Kim in 2021 after seven seasons in the Korea Baseball Organization. He was an elite power/speed threat during his time in the KBO. Kim provided league-average production with the Padres. His best season was 2023, when he popped 17 home runs and stole 38 bases. The Rays surprisingly handed Kim a two-year, $29 million deal heading into the 2025 campaign. He hit just .214 with two homers and six steals in Tampa Bay.
Defense has been Kim’s calling card as a big leaguer. He’s excelled at second base, third base, and shortstop in the major leagues. Kim earned a Gold Glove award for his strong performance at the keystone in 2023. The veteran has racked up 15 Defensive Runs Saved at second base, 22 DRS at shortstop, and 8 DRS at third base in his career.
Kim slipped slightly on defense in his age-29 season. The infielder posted -3 DRS in 361 innings at shortstop between the Rays and Braves last year. He didn’t record any errors, but showed a drop-off in ability at the position.
What Does Kim’s Return Mean For Dubon, Mateo?
Charlie Wright is a longtime sports journalist with more than a decade of experience covering college and professional sports. He covers MLB and NBA for Heavy.com. More about Charlie Wright