Shock revelation by U.S. reporter! "Atlanta Braves' decision to release Kim Ha-seong is desired by many within the organization, but it may be difficult to carry out"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Ha-seong (31, Atlanta Braves), who is undergoing rehabilitation games in the minor leagues to return from injury and make a comeback, appears to be facing the coldest and most ruthless reality within his team. Even within the Major League Baseball player ranks, shocking assessments have emerged suggesting that Kim Ha-seong's position is practically on the verge of being designated for release.

Mark Bowman, the Atlanta Braves beat reporter for MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, conveyed on Tuesday (Korean time) via his social media account the atmosphere within the organization and clubhouse surrounding Kim Ha-seong as the team prepares for upcoming roster adjustments.

Citing voices from the field, Bowman stated, "If they have the courage to make a firm and cold decision, they should keep Jorge Mateo on the roster and designate Kim Ha-seong for assignment (DFA)." He further revealed with shock that "this is the decision many within the clubhouse currently desire." However, he added, "But I do not believe this decision will be made."

According to Bowman, the Atlanta Braves are deeply conflicted ahead of Tuesday's roster adjustments. With Kim Ha-seong returning from the injured list and outfielder Ryan Thomas, acquired via trade from the Kansas City Royals, joining the team, someone must make room on the roster.

Initially, predictions were dominated by the view that Jorge Mateo would be sacrificed due to minor league options or his standing in the lineup. However, Bowman noted that the atmosphere on the field is different, stating, "Mateo's speed and base-running value as a leadoff hitter alone make him far more useful to the team than Kim Ha-seong currently is." It appears that even teammates and organization officials are treating Kim Ha-seong with cold indifference due to his prolonged hitting slump and lingering effects from injury, which have prevented him from contributing to the team's performance throughout the season.

However, Bowman maintained a skeptical view regarding whether the radical decision of "designating Kim Ha-seong for release," desired by many in the clubhouse, will actually be implemented. This is because the calculations of the organization's leadership, including President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos, are far more complex than the players' wishes.

Ahead of this season, Kim Ha-seong signed a one-year contract with Atlanta worth $20 million (approximately 28.9 billion won). However, after recording a batting average of .068 (5 hits in 73 at-bats), 3 RBIs, 9 walks, and 22 strikeouts in 27 games for the Braves this season, he was placed on the injured list on July 5. Unable to participate in spring training due to injury, he has been gradually regaining his form with rookie teams and Triple-A affiliates. Nevertheless, Kim Ha-seong's batting average in Triple-A has also dropped to .219. Given the scale of Kim Ha-seong's contract, it will not be easy for Atlanta to release him immediately. As a result, the team may opt to send Jim Jarvis down to the minor leagues or, reluctantly, give up on Mateo, who enjoys support within the clubhouse.

Even if Kim Ha-seong survives due to the organization's practical considerations, his role is expected to be extremely limited. Bowman projected that in Atlanta's infield usage moving forward, Mauricio Dubón and Jim Jarvis will receive most of the playing time at shortstop. Regarding Kim Ha-seong, he stated, "He may only get limited opportunities to see if he can show anything against left-handed pitchers," indicating his potential use as a backup player.

Amidst the harsh assessment from local reporters that "adding Kim Ha-seong to the roster will not strengthen the team's overall performance," Atlanta's upcoming roster decision is expected to be the greatest trial and turning point for Kim Ha-seong's standing within the organization this season.

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*This content was translated by AI.