Baseball is a game of numbers, but sometimes those numbers lie. Or, at the very least, they omit the context that actually matters. If you just look at Ha-Seong Kim stats for the 2025 season, you might think the former Gold Glover is on a steep decline.
He hit .234. He finished with just five home runs. To the casual observer checking a box score, it looks like a "lost year." But if you’re the Atlanta Braves, you see something entirely different. You see a guy who fought back from major shoulder surgery, switched leagues mid-season, and still managed to be one of the most disciplined hitters in the game. Honestly, the fact that he was even on the field by July 4th is a minor miracle.
The 2025 Season: A Tale of Two Teams
Kim started the year in the American League with the Tampa Bay Rays after signing a two-year, $29 million deal. It wasn’t the start anyone wanted. Coming off that labrum repair in his right shoulder, he didn't debut until July.
His time in Tampa was... rough. He slashed .214/.290/.321 across 24 games. You could see the rust. His arm strength, which usually sits around 88 mph from shortstop, dipped to 83.9 mph. That’s a massive drop for a guy whose game is built on defensive range and quick releases.
Then everything changed in September.
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The Braves, desperate for a spark at shortstop after the Nick Allen experiment failed to launch, claimed Kim off waivers. Suddenly, the "King" was back in the National League, and he looked like a different player. In 24 games with Atlanta, he batted .253 with three of his five season homers. He even put together a nine-game hitting streak to close out the month.
Why the Braves Doubled Down
On December 15, 2025, the Braves sent a clear message: we believe in the San Diego version of Ha-Seong Kim. They signed him to a one-year, $20 million contract for the 2026 season. This wasn't just a "prove-it" deal; it was a significant raise from the $16 million player option he walked away from.
Why pay more for a guy coming off an injury? Because of the underlying metrics.
- Plate Discipline: Even in a "down" year, Kim posted a walk rate near 12% and a strikeout rate under 17%. Only guys like Juan Soto and Freddie Freeman live in that neighborhood consistently.
- Hard Hit Rate: Surprisingly, his average exit velocity in 2025 was actually the highest of his career at 89.7 mph.
- The "Clutch" Factor: He hit a game-winning three-run homer against the Cubs on September 3, the first home run by an Atlanta shortstop all season.
Comparing the Peak: 2023 vs. Now
To understand why people are still obsessed with Ha-Seong Kim stats, you have to look back at 2023. That was the year he became a superstar in San Diego. He wasn't just a defensive wizard; he was a legitimate offensive threat.
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He put up 5.4 WAR (Wins Above Replacement). That is MVP-level territory. He stole 38 bases, hit 17 home runs, and finished with a .749 OPS. He became the first South Korean-born player to win a Gold Glove (Utility).
| Metric | 2023 (San Diego) | 2025 (Combined) |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .260 | .234 |
| On-Base Percentage | .351 | .304 |
| Home Runs | 17 | 5 |
| Stolen Bases | 38 | 6 |
| WAR | 5.4 | 0.3 |
It's a stark contrast. But 2023 was a healthy year. 2025 was a recovery year.
The Defensive Versatility Factor
The real value of Ha-Seong Kim isn't found in his slugging percentage. It’s in his glove. In San Diego, he was essentially a "plug-and-play" elite defender. Need a Gold Glove at second base? He’s your guy. Shortstop? He’s better than Xander Bogaerts (which is why the Padres moved Bogaerts to second in 2024). Third base? He can handle that too.
In 2025, his defensive runs saved (DRS) took a hit because of the shoulder. He was hesitant to let it rip. But as the season progressed in Atlanta, that confidence started to return. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has basically bet $20 million that Kim’s arm will be back to 100% by the 2026 Opening Day.
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What's Next for the "King"?
If you’re looking at Ha-Seong Kim stats for your fantasy draft or just as a fan, keep an eye on his spring training velocity. If that arm is back to 88-90 mph, he’s going to be a top-10 shortstop again.
He’s 30 now. This is the prime of his career. He turned down a four-year, $48 million offer from the Oakland A’s this offseason to stay in Atlanta on a one-year deal. That tells you everything you need to know about his confidence. He’s betting that a full, healthy season in 2026 will lead to a $100 million+ contract next winter.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts:
- Watch the Walk Rate: If Kim stays above 10%, he will remain a high-value lead-off or nine-hole "second lead-off" hitter regardless of his batting average.
- Monitor Sprint Speed: His 38 steals in 2023 weren't a fluke, but he only had 6 in 2025. If he’s not running, he’s not the same player.
- Arm Strength is Key: Check Statcast data in April. If he’s topping out at 84 mph again, the shoulder might be a chronic issue.
The 2026 season is going to be the definitive chapter for Kim. Either 2025 was a temporary glitch caused by surgery, or the league has caught up to his contact-first approach. Given his history of adapting—going from a .202 hitter in his rookie year to a Gold Glover two years later—I wouldn't bet against him.