Atlanta, GA, September 5, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Braves have signed Gold Glove shortstop Ha-Seong Kim from the Tampa Bay Rays, eliciting excitement in the local Korean community. Restaurants plan to air his first home game, showcasing community support. The Braves secured Kim with a $29 million, two-year contract, hoping he will be a key player after a challenging previous season with limited games due to injury. His versatile skills add depth to the team as he transitions from the San Diego Padres.
Atlanta
The Atlanta Braves have made a significant addition to their roster by signing Gold Glove shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, who was claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays. This announcement has generated considerable excitement within Atlanta’s Korean community, marking a moment of pride for many local residents.
Young Kim, an employee at Bene Korean Steakhouse, expressed feelings of pride and anticipation regarding Kim’s upcoming games at Truist Park. The restaurant is going the extra mile by planning to air Ha-Seong Kim’s first home game as a Brave, further fostering a sense of community around this new signing. Another employee, Jungin Yun, noted the enthusiasm surrounding Kim’s arrival, sharing her father’s excitement and her own eagerness to watch him play.
The local community has welcomed Kim with open arms and a cultural touch, showing a desire to invite him for home-cooked meals, emphasizing the rich tradition of Korean hospitality. This reflects a strong connection and support for Kim from those in Atlanta who share his heritage.
For fans eager to track Kim’s performance, Atlanta News First will simulcast 15 Braves games throughout the Southeast this season, providing ample opportunity for followers to see how he contributes to the team.
Ha-Seong Kim experienced a challenging previous season, limited to just 24 games due to lower back inflammation. During that timeframe, he had a batting average of .214, hitting two home runs and driving in five RBIs. The Braves have secured Kim through a $29 million two-year contract that includes a $16 million player option for the 2026 season, implicating considerable investment in his future contributions to the team.
Since joining the Braves, Kim has made a strong impression in his first games, including hitting a home run. Management anticipates that he will play almost daily as the team’s primary shortstop. Beyond shortstop, Kim is versatile, also capable of playing second base and third base, adding depth to the team.
Before joining the Braves, Kim spent four seasons with the San Diego Padres, during which he accumulated a batting average of .242, with 47 home runs, 200 RBIs, and 78 stolen bases across 540 games. Braves manager Brian Snitker highlighted the value of acquiring Kim, noting the limited availability of established shortstops in Major League Baseball.
As Kim embarks on this new chapter with the Braves, he has expressed excitement about playing alongside a talented roster and is focused on completing the season in good health.
Key Features of Ha-Seong Kim’s Signing
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Ha-Seong Kim |
| Previous Team | Tampa Bay Rays |
| Contract | $29 million, two-year contract |
| Player Option | $16 million for 2026 season |
| Previous Season Stats | 24 games, .214 batting average, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs |
| Past Performance | Four seasons with San Diego Padres (47 HRs, 200 RBIs, 78 SBs) |
| Community Involvement | Excitement among Korean community; support from local restaurants |
FAQ Section
What team did Ha-Seong Kim join?
Ha-Seong Kim has signed with the Atlanta Braves after being claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays.
What is the value of Ha-Seong Kim’s contract?
Ha-Seong Kim has a $29 million, two-year contract with the Atlanta Braves, including a $16 million player option for the 2026 season.
How did the local community react to Kim’s signing?
The Korean community in Atlanta has reacted positively, expressing excitement and planning to support Kim, including airing his home games in local restaurants.
What were Ha-Seong Kim’s performance stats from last season?
Ha-Seong Kim played 24 games last season, with a batting average of .214, hitting two home runs and driving in five RBIs.
What positions can Ha-Seong Kim play?
In addition to shortstop, Ha-Seong Kim can also play second base and third base, offering versatility to the Braves’ lineup.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Atlanta Falcons Prepare for Season Opener Against Buccaneers
Additional Resources
- MLB: Ha-Seong Kim Excited to Join Braves
- Wikipedia: Ha-Seong Kim
- ESPN: Ha-Seong Kim Joins Braves
- Google Search: Ha-Seong Kim
- NY Times: Ha-Seong Kim New Atlanta Brave
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ha-Seong Kim
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
