Former Gold Glover Reportedly Opts Out; Braves May Have Wasted $1.9 Million

Kim Ha-seong opts out of $16 million player option, enters MLB free agency

Kim Ha-seong has opted for free agency, foregoing a guaranteed US$16 million salary for the 2026 season. MLB.com reported on Monday (U.S. local time) that the 30-year-old South Korean shortstop exercised an opt-out clause in his contract, ending the exclusive negotiating rights previously held by the Atlanta Braves, his current team. Kim began his Major League Baseball career with the San Diego Padres in 2021 and became a free agent after the 20…

Former Gold Glover reportedly opts out; Braves may have wasted $1.9 million

The Atlanta Braves did not retain their starting shortstop on his $16 million player option for next season.

Report: Ha-Seong Kim opts out of contract with Braves

It was expected, but now it is official: Ha-Seong Kim has opted out of his $16 million player option for 2026. He is now a free agent. Breaking: Ha-Seong Kim has opted out — Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 3, 2025 The Braves claimed Ha-Seong Kim off waivers for the final month of the season, and he went on to hit .253 with a .684 OPS over 24 games in Atlanta while playing stellar defense at shortstop. Originally, the Braves likely hoped there …

Ha-Seong Kim Opts Out Of Braves Deal

Middle infielder Ha-Seong Kim is opting out of his deal with the Braves, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post. He passes on a $16MM salary to return to the open market. It’s a disappointing but not entirely unexpected development for Atlanta. The Braves claimed Kim off waivers from the Rays at the beginning of September. They weren’t competing but hoped to lock in their starting shortstop for the ’26 season. They instead wound up taking on th…