“Better Options Were Available…" Braves Faces Criticism for Signing Kim Ha-seong

[마이데일리 = 심혜진 기자] The Atlanta Braves have come under heavy criticism for reuniting with Kim Ha-seong (30).

On the 17th (Korean time), FanSided’s ATL All Day reported, “Signing Kim Ha-seong is not a particularly surprising move. However, the concern is that Kim struggled offensively toward the end of the season.”

Atlanta signed Kim to a one-year, $20 million contract. After the 2025 season, Kim declined his $16 million player option and entered the free-agent market, eventually re-signing with Atlanta on a deal worth $4 million more.

Kim joined Atlanta after being waived by the Tampa Bay Rays. Wearing a Braves uniform, he appeared in 24 games, batting .253 with 22 hits, three home runs, 12 RBIs, and 14 runs scored. The outlet pointed out, “In the final series of the season, he managed just one hit in 19 at-bats. The reason Kim was designated for assignment by Tampa Bay—his .214 batting average—was also tied to ongoing offensive concerns.” The article added, “In other words, Atlanta chose to bring back an offensively uncertain player despite better options still being available on the free-agent market.”

One such option is Bo Bichette, who remains unsigned.

The outlet continued, “Atlanta has made it clear this offseason that it intends to be aggressive, acquiring Raisel Iglesias, Mike Yastrzemski, and Robert Suarez. However, the most aggressive move would have been signing free-agent shortstop and offensive centerpiece Bo Bichette. Bichette could have injected real life into the lineup and would have been a perfect fit for Atlanta’s middle infield.” The article strongly criticized the Braves for passing on Bichette.

The criticism did not stop there. “Bichette had an outstanding run with the Toronto Blue Jays, contributing to an American League title and a trip to the World Series,” the outlet wrote. “Adding him to Atlanta’s lineup would fundamentally change the offensive outlook of a roster that currently includes two major question marks in Ozzie Albies and Sean Murphy.”

It concluded by stating, “By signing Kim Ha-seong, Atlanta has taken on three lineup spots with difficult-to-project offensive expectations. Despite the opportunity to spend a bit more money for higher upside and long-term stability, the Braves opted for an expensive, high-risk move.”

Ultimately, the outlet argued that Atlanta made the wrong decision.

“Atlanta has put itself in a position that will likely lead to frustration, or once again finds itself paired with a player heading toward free agency,” the article said. “Unless the season ends with a World Series title, it is difficult to envision an ideal outcome. Given that clearly better options remained available, signing Kim Ha-seong should be viewed as a mistake.”