The Atlanta Braves may be forced to part ways with a struggling infielder following the MLB Trade Deadline.
The Braves signed Ha-Seong Kim to a one-year, $20 million contract to become their starting shortstop after claiming him off waivers in September. However, after undergoing wrist surgery during the offseason, Kim has struggled to find his rhythm at the plate since returning.
Now that Kim is back on a rehab assignment, questions are emerging about his long-term future with the club. According to Braves insider Jesus Cano of The Athletic, Kim may not even remain on the roster by the time he is ready to return.
“The simple solution, once Ronald Acuña Jr. returns: make Dubón the new starting shortstop. I know everyone is on the Jim Jarvis juice right now, and rightfully so, but Dubón is playing more consistently than previously in his career. The leash on Kim is probably the shortest it’s been all season, and if he can’t figure it out when he returns, I don’t even know whether he’ll be on this team in two months,” Cano wrote.
Kim has struggled significantly this season, batting just .068 with no home runs and three RBIs. If the Braves view themselves as legitimate World Series contenders, continuing to give him regular at-bats may not be the best option, meaning the team could decide to absorb the remaining money on his contract and move on.
Still, Kim will have an opportunity to show he can regain his form during his rehab assignment. A turnaround would provide a major boost to Atlanta’s lineup, but Cano believes the Braves may ultimately need to make a difficult decision.
While Kim has struggled offensively, Braves manager Walt Weiss previously acknowledged that the infielder has been searching for answers.
Before Kim suffered his injury and began his rehab assignment, Weiss indicated that his playing time would likely decrease.
“There’s no secret sauce or anything to get guys through their struggles. I mean, he works every day. We’ve had multiple conversations and he’s just trying to find his way. It’s been a struggle for him. I’m sure he’s more frustrated than anybody. But I’m going to continue to mix and match and see if he can find his way. You know, the other guys are going to get opportunities, too. That’s all we can do,” Weiss said.
If Kim can rediscover his swing during his rehab stint, it could provide Atlanta with a much-needed offensive boost. However, if his struggles continue, his time with the Braves could come to an end, with the team potentially designating him for assignment.
Braves Expected to Be Active Before Trade Deadline
Although the Braves have hit a rough stretch recently, they remain in first place in the NL East.
With the trade deadline approaching, Atlanta is expected to aggressively pursue upgrades, particularly for its starting rotation, according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman.
“Despite losing 19 of their final 29 games before the All-Star break, the Braves still have a slim advantage atop the National League East standings,” Bowman wrote. “But to remain there, they need to address a starting rotation that has been a concern going back to the offseason. The team’s other warts have become more visible as Atlanta’s starting pitchers have produced a 5.24 ERA over the past 48 games.
“The good news is the Braves have the financial flexibility and prospect capital necessary to pursue any of the top players available on this year’s trade market.”
Atlanta enters the stretch run with a 55-40 record and a 2.5-game advantage over the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East.