The Atlanta Braves have utilized the last two months of the season to seek out all possible upgrades or long-term answers. One of the very few bright sides of having a struggling roster is the ability to consistently move through different pieces.
Whether in the bullpen, rotation, or final bench spots, the Braves haven’t been shy about making moves. The latest success story has been outfielder Jake Fraley, who has had an instant offensive impact.
Atlanta is hoping for this same level of success with struggling shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, who has been claimed off waivers from the Rays. Kim is hitting .214 on the season, not getting anywhere close to his career .241 average. When hitting at this level, it is easy to accommodate the underwhelming offensive potential due to the top-tier defense.
Braves Take a Chance on Struggling Shortstop Claiming Ha-Seong Kim
Ken Rosenthal reported the move, pointing out that the veteran has a $16 million option for next season. The Braves can now evaluate the veteran and see if there is a potential fit, not just in the final month of the season, but perhaps in finding a future answer. Nick Allen has been the team’s starting shortstop since the first month of the season, when Orlando Aricia was jettisoned after two years of regression.
The issue with Allen has been continually underwhelming offensive results after hitting .238 in the first half. The starter has managed only a .183 average throughout the second half of the season. What has kept the infielder in the lineup is incredible defensive highlights, turning back the clock for Atlanta fans. It gives flashbacks to the days of Andrelton Simmons and Dansby Swanson, who were consistently proving their respective values.
One clear difference is that both players were offensive producers leading to why Kim was claimed in the first place. Atlanta sees the writing on the wall that rebuilding a winning roster isn’t going to include putting Allen in the starting lineup. The infielder is going to be best used as a depth piece at the end of the bench. Keeping the defensive ability on the roster and kicking the offensive liability out of the lineup should be the goal.
All of this helps explain the arrival of Kim and what fans should expect moving forward. It would be a surprise not to see the veteran consistently in the starting lineup ahead of Nick Allen. Already, we’ve seen Fraley earn chances due to the regression of Sean Murphy and Marcell Ozuna. It has never been easier to find a starting spot in this lineup.
For Kim, it is a unique chance to step in and win his way into a long-term role. One that will give the Braves a $16 million decision that is all the more difficult when you look at the offseason market and consider potential fits. Regardless, it is a nice swing for an organization that has nothing left to lose in what is a lost year.
