*This content was translated by AI.
With the trade deadline approaching and his future uncertain, Kim Ha-seong (31, Atlanta Braves) has completed all rehabilitation and is returning to Major League Baseball. He will return to the MLB stage without being released, a decision that was among the options considered. The move reflects the team's investment in a veteran player under a high-value contract worth $20 million (approximately 286 billion won).
On the 4th (Korean time), the Atlanta organization announced via its official SNS that infielder Kim Ha-seong and catcher Sean Murphy have been reinstated to the MLB 26-man roster. In return, Jorge Mateo, who had been utilized as an infield resource, was placed on designated for assignment (DFA) status, while pitchers James Karinchak and JR Ritchie were optioned to the Triple-A minor league.
The mood among local media and within the clubhouse stood in stark contrast to the team's decision. Mark Bowman, the Atlanta beat reporter for MLB.com, had previously shared on his SNS on the 2nd that "if you have the guts to make a cold-blooded decision, you should keep Mateo and place Kim Ha-seong on DFA. That is what most people in the clubhouse want." He added, however, "but I don't think this decision will be made."
Yet the final choice by Atlanta's leadership went the other way. Despite the cold atmosphere in the clubhouse, the organization prioritized trust and investment value in its high-salary player, cutting ties with Mateo and choosing Kim Ha-seong. As GM Alex Anthopoulos stated, "There was no option to let Kim Ha-seong go," meaning DFA was never seriously considered.
However, this season Kim Ha-seong endured a severe hitting slump, batting just .068 (5 hits in 73 at-bats) across 27 games. In early July, inflammation in his right middle finger flared up again, sending him back to the injured list. Following rehabilitation games in the Rookie League and Triple-A, Kim posted a .200 average (9 hits in 45 at-bats) with 3 RBIs over 13 Triple-A contests, regaining his game readiness.
Although rehab completion raised speculation about a potential DFA, Atlanta's leadership unexpectedly recalled Kim Ha-seong to the big leagues just before the trade deadline. From the team's perspective, releasing a starting-level player under a high-value contract without conditions was never an option.
Though he has returned to the big leagues after about a month, reclaiming his starting position immediately appears unlikely. Rookie shortstop Jim Jarvis, who debuted in Kim's absence, has solidified the role with a .263 batting average over 26 games.
MLB.com also noted that "Kim Ha-seong is likely to see action as a backup infielder for now" and predicted that "Jarvis will continue to hold the starting shortstop job." After narrowly avoiding release, Kim has secured his place in the majors. It remains to be seen whether he can recover his defensive sharpness and hitting form within this narrowed role and mount a comeback.
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*This content was translated by AI.
