Incheon: After a successful September stint with the Atlanta Braves following a waiver pickup, shortstop Kim Ha-seong said Thursday he has not yet decided on his future. Kim returned home Thursday after completing his fifth season in Major League Baseball (MLB). He spent his first four years with the San Diego Padres and then signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in February.
According to Yonhap News Agency, after undergoing shoulder surgery in October last year, Kim didn’t make his Rays debut until July 4. Upon his return to the field, Kim contended with calf and back injuries, limiting him to only 24 games. During this period, he batted .214/.290/.321 with two homers and five RBIs before the Rays waived him.
Seeing an opportunity, the Braves picked him up at the start of September. Kim subsequently batted .253/.316/.368 with three homers and 12 RBIs in 24 games, showcasing a season-best 10-game hitting streak while maintaining his strong defensive play.
Kim holds an option for next year worth US$16 million, which he can decline to enter free agency. Although he could potentially command more than $16 million in the open market, the Braves might propose an extension to retain him as their everyday shortstop.
“There’s nothing I can do on that front. I need to talk to my agent about that,” Kim told reporters at Incheon International Airport regarding his future plans. “But I really enjoyed my time in Atlanta. I had a good time with Tampa Bay, too, but I had a bit more fun playing baseball in Atlanta.”
Kim expressed regret over his inability to remain on the field as much as he’d hoped with the Rays. “It’s great to be back home. I have to rest up and get ready for the next season,” he said. “This was a tough year with all the injuries, but I think I handled it pretty well.”
He recalled the frustration of not achieving top form even after extensive rehabilitation from his shoulder surgery, noting that it wasn’t until September that he felt nearly at full strength. “I started getting into games on a regular basis in September, and I am looking forward to seeing how the new season will play out,” Kim added. “I think I proved at least a little bit in September that I should be ready for next year. I think this offseason will be more important than any others before.”