Braves claim Kim off waivers from Rays
The Atlanta Braves claimed former Gold Glove infielder Ha-Seong Kim off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays, they announced Monday.
By claiming Kim, Atlanta assumes the remainder of the two-year, $29-million contract he signed with the Rays this past winter. He's owed around $2 million over the final month of this season and holds a $16-million player option for 2026.
Kim was on the injured list with lower back inflammation at the time of the transaction, although he was originally expected to be activated and play for the Rays on Monday night, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
The 29-year-old Korean represented a rare high-profile free-agent signing for the small-market Rays. However, his career in Tampa amounted to just 24 games, as he missed the first half of this season while recovering from shoulder surgery.
Atlanta now gets to audition Kim for a potential infield spot in 2026, provided he opts into the final year of his contract. A natural shortstop, Kim has experience at multiple positions and won the 2023 NL utility Gold Glove for his positive defense at shortstop, second, and third base.
For now, Kim can fill in for the injured Austin Riley at the hot corner down the stretch. If he returns in 2026, a healthy Kim could be an upgrade at shortstop over Nick Allen and potentially one half of a talented double-play combination with Ozzie Albies.
Riley, who underwent season-ending core surgery in August, was transferred to the 60-day injured list to open Kim's 40-man roster spot.
Originally signed by the San Diego Padres in 2021 following years of stardom in the KBO, Kim is a lifetime .241/.325/.377 hitter with 49 homers, 205 RBIs, and 84 stolen bases over 564 big-league games.
For the Rays, moving on from Kim allows top prospect Carson Williams to remain in the majors and potentially secure the starting shortstop job for 2026. Williams, 22, has hit .250/.300/.429 with a homer, six RBIs, and two walks over 30 plate appearances since being called up after Kim's injury two weeks ago.
Tampa Bay also recalled right-hander Kevin Kelly from Triple-A and reinstated utility player Richie Palacios from the 60-day IL ahead of Monday's game.