▲ Ha-seong Kim of the Atlanta Braves
Local projections continue to suggest that Ha-seong Kim (Atlanta Braves), who returned to the big leagues after overcoming the threat of being designated for assignment, will struggle to secure regular playing time going forward.
On August 5 (KST), the U.S. sports media outlet The Athletic analyzed the Atlanta club's trades and roster adjustments, and projected the future standing of Kim, who was called up from the minor leagues.
The outlet reported, "When Atlanta signed Kim to a one-year, 20 million dollar (approximately 28.6 billion won) deal ahead of this season, few could have anticipated that rookie Jim Jarvis would be playing as the starting shortstop in August." It added, "However, Jarvis has made the leap to the starting role by showing a batting average above 0.250 along with outstanding defense and baserunning skills."
The outlet further analyzed, "Atlanta designated Jorge Mateo for assignment (DFA) to give Jarvis more opportunities," adding, "It will not be easy for Kim, who returned from the injured list, to reclaim the starting shortstop position."
Some local media outlets evaluated Atlanta's decision not to release Kim as surprising in itself.
Sporting News sharply criticized, "Kim has shown performance that falls short of expectations in both the MLB and Triple-A minor leagues." It added, "Considering the financial burden the team would have to shoulder if they released Kim, the decision is understandable from a financial standpoint, but hard to fathom based on his on-field performance."
The outlet continued, "A healthy Kim was a better shortstop than Mateo, but now he is closer to a backup resource than a starter," and predicted, "Kim is likely to take on a role as a pinch runner or in limited situations."
MLB.com reporter Mark Bowman also stated via social media, "Utility player Mauricio Dubon will handle the backup shortstop role."
Last winter, Kim turned down a 4-year, 48 million dollar (68.7 billion won) offer from the Athletics and signed a one-year, 20 million dollar contract with Atlanta.
His plan was to boost his value during the 2026 season and then test the market for a major contract.
However, Kim has struggled with various injuries and a slump this season.
He fell on ice last January and underwent surgery for a ruptured tendon in his right middle finger. Although he returned to the big leagues in mid-May, he batted just 0.068 (5 hits in 73 at-bats).
Last month, he was placed on the injured list (IL) due to inflammation in his right middle finger and posted poor numbers in Triple-A minor league games where he went down for rehabilitation.
Amid the cold evaluations from local media, Kim, having returned to the big leagues, is set to play in the home game against the Miami Marlins held today at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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