ATLANTA — Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is returning to the Atlanta Braves, agreeing Monday to a one-year, $20 million contract that addressed a major offseason priority for the team.
Kim gets a $4 million raise. He had declined a $16 million player option that was in the two-year, $29 million contract he signed in February with Tampa Bay, a deal that paid him $13 million. The Braves announced the new deal with Kim on Monday night.
Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said a long-term contract with Kim was discussed before the agreement on a one-year deal. Anthopoulos said he was still optimistic that Kim’s return means “hopefully a longer marriage here.”
The 30-year-old from South Korea batted .234 with 5 homers and 17 RBIs for the Rays and Braves, who claimed him off waivers Sept. 1. Kim didn’t make his season debut until July 4 because of right shoulder surgery in late 2024.
“This contract reflects our belief in him, and he’s a much better player,” Anthopoulos said of Kim’s 2025 statistics.
Kim has a .242 average with 52 homers and 217 RBIs for San Diego (2021-24), Tampa Bay (2025) and Atlanta.
Anthopoulos said he’s looking for Kim to return to the production levels he enjoyed with the Padres.
“We think we’ve got a very good chance to get the guy he was with San Diego,” Anthopoulos said, adding it will benefit the Braves and Kim if he has a big 2026 season and improves his status for a bigger contract with more years after next season.
“Come here, be the player you can be, have a great year and get the contract you deserve,” Anthopoulos said.
Atlanta designated right-hander Osvaldo Bido for assignment to open a roster spot.
The return of Kim means Mauricio Dubón, acquired from the Houston Astros for Nick Allen in an exchange of infielders Nov. 19, likely will be in a utility role instead of being the starting shortstop.
Dubón, 31, appeared in 133 games with Houston last season and batted .241 while earning his second Gold Glove, each time as a utility infielder. He also won a Gold Glove in 2023.
Kim’s return comes after outfielder Mike Yastrzemski and the Braves agreed to a two-year, $23 million contract Wednesday that includes a 2028 club option with the potential to make the deal worth $26 million over three seasons.
It has been a busy week for the Braves, who also added two-time All-Star reliever Robert Suarez on Thursday to a three-year, $45 million contract.
