"Not a bat boy or mascot" Cold U.S. gaze toward Kim Ha-seong's re-signing; evaluation plummets in just one year for the $20 million free agent, "How did it come to this?"

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"As a bat boy or team mascot?"

How did things end up like this? The evaluation of Kim Ha-seong (31) has plummeted in just one season, from the starting shortstop the Atlanta Braves need to re-sign to that of a bat boy.

The U.S.-based podcast specializing in the Atlanta Braves, "Hammer Territory," analyzed the Braves' free agents who will become available this past winter on the 17th. Hammer Territory is part of the U.S. baseball-focused podcast network Foul Territory, and host Scott Coleman has covered the Braves for more than 15 years.

The reaction was cold when Kim Ha-seong's name came up. In response to the question of whether Atlanta could consider bringing Kim Ha-seong back, Coleman answered, "As a bat boy or team mascot," expressing a negative view on re-signing him.

It does not stop at an individual's cynical assessment. The prominent local newspaper AJC also recently summarized the Braves' key free agents, writing briefly and decisively next to Kim Ha-seong, "No thanks." In contrast, it described Mauricio Dubon, who was considered a competitor, as "Yes, please," showing a stark contrast.

The atmosphere is the exact opposite of what it was a year ago. Interestingly, Coleman himself had argued in October last year that "the club will hopefully work out a deal of some kind with Ha-Seong Kim." At the time, after moving to Atlanta via a waiver claim from the Tampa Bay Rays, where he had suffered injuries and poor performance, Kim Ha-seong did not stand out significantly, posting a .253 batting average (22 hits in 87 at-bats), three home runs, 12 RBIs, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) of .684 in 24 games.

After the end of the 2025 season, Kim Ha-seong waived his $16 million player option (approximately 21.3 billion won) and entered the free agent market. Atlanta then invested $20 million for one year (approximately 26.6 billion won) in December last year to retain him. At the time, Alex Anthopoulos, President of Baseball Operations for Atlanta, expressed expectations, stating, "Kim Ha-seong fit well into the clubhouse even during a short period. If he recovers his form from his days with the San Diego Padres in 2023, he could become a player worth 3 to 4 WAR (Wins Above Replacement)."

However, all plans fell apart just one month after the contract was signed. In January last year, Kim Ha-seong slipped on an icy road in Korea, suffering a torn tendon in his right middle finger, and underwent surgery. He missed both spring training and the season opener, returning to the major leagues only in May.

Things became even more difficult after his return. His batting form barely improved, and he was placed back on the injured list due to inflammation in his right middle finger. In July, he stayed in the minor league for rehabilitation purposes. At one point, his batting average in 27 major league games dropped to .068 (5 hits in 73 at-bats), leading to discussions of potential release even locally. He did create a memorable scene near the end of the season. In August against the LA Dodgers, he hit a walk-off single against left-hander Tanner Scott, leading his team to victory.

However, it was not enough to turn around his overall performance. Ultimately, Kim Ha-seong finished the regular season with a .116 batting average (15 hits in 129 at-bats), zero home runs, 9 RBIs, 2 stolen bases, an on-base percentage of .219, a slugging percentage of .140, and an OPS of .359 in 51 games.

Atlanta still included Kim Ha-seong in the postseason roster. In the Wild Card Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, he started at shortstop in both Game 1 and Game 2, contributing with a walk, a run scored, and defensive plays in Game 2. However, he went hitless in five at-bats throughout this year's postseason. Atlanta also eliminated from the National League Division Series against the LA Dodgers, ending their season.

With the season expected to feature him as a starting shortstop for $20 million ultimately ending without a single home run, even local Atlanta officials who had hoped for a re-signing last year have turned their backs on him.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original