Introduction
Ha-Seong Kim stands as one of the most intriguing international stars in Major League Baseball (MLB). A defensive wizard, versatile infielder, and dynamic runner, Kim has captured attention from fans and analysts alike. In this definitive guide, we’ll break down his contracts, advanced analytics from Fangraphs & Baseball Savant, age & career arc, and injury history, telling the full story behind a player who has become a staple in MLB analysis.
Who Is Ha-Seong Kim?
Born on October 17, 1995, in Bucheon, South Korea, Ha-Seong Kim is a right-handed infielder best known for his elite defense, speed, and baseball IQ. After dominating in the KBO League with the Kiwoom Heroes — where he consistently won Golden Gloves — Kim made the transition to MLB with the San Diego Padres in 2021.
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Position: Shortstop / Infielder
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Bats/Throws: Right/Right
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MLB Debut: April 1, 2021
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Current Team: Atlanta Braves (as of end-2025)
MLB Career Snapshot (through 2025)
Across his MLB tenure through 2025, Kim has posted a .242 batting average, hit 52 home runs, driven in 217 RBIs, and stolen 84 bases — showcasing a blend of contact ability, speed, and run production.
Contracts & Financial Journey
Kim’s MLB contract story reflects both team confidence and market dynamics around international stars and defensive specialists.
4-Year Deal with Padres
Kim’s MLB journey began when he signed a four-year, $28 million contract with the San Diego Padres in December 2020. This deal included a mutual option for 2025, though Kim opted out of that opportunity to pursue free agency.
2025: Two-Year Deal with Rays
On February 3, 2025, Kim agreed to a two-year, $29 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, including:
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$13 million in 2025
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$16 million in 2026 (player option)
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Up to $2 million in performance bonuses (plate appearances)
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Opt-out clause after 2025
This contract reflected both Kim’s value as a defender with speed and bat versatility, and MLB’s uncertainty around his shoulder recovery at the time.
2025 Waivers & 2026 Braves Deal
In September 2025, Atlanta claimed Kim off waivers and assumed part of his remaining contract. In December 2025, Kim agreed to a new one-year, $20 million contract with the Atlanta Braves for the 2026 season after declining a $16 million option.
This deal underscores both Kim’s upside and teams’ belief he can bounce back to top form — potentially producing 3-4 WAR with full health.
Fangraphs & Advanced Metrics
While traditional stats tell part of the story, advanced analytical platforms like Fangraphs and Baseball Savant help contextualize Kim’s true value.
Fangraphs Metrics
According to FanGraphs, Kim — listed at age 30 — offers a blend of versatility and sabermetric value. Fangraphs tracks advanced splits and performance graphs that highlight:
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Contact quality trends
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Positional flexibility
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WAR contributions over multiple seasons
Even when not posting superstar offensive numbers, Kim’s Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) have boosted his value, particularly at premium defensive positions such as shortstop. These metrics illustrate why teams prize his glove more than many similar batting averages.
Baseball Savant Analytics
From Baseball Savant (MLB’s Statcast platform), we get precise insights into Kim’s bat & ball profiles:
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Avg Exit Velocity: ~89.7 mph
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Hard Hit %: ~43.3%
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Barrel %: ~5.2%
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wOBA / xwOBA: Reflecting slightly below or near expectations depending on year
These metrics show Kim’s contact skills and value as a consistent, if not elite, offensive contributor — with higher marks when healthy and confident at the plate.
Baseball Savant: Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths:
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Hard Contact: Kim’s hard-hit percentage remains respectable, indicating quality contact when he connects solidly with pitches.
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Contact Approach: A relatively balanced swing results in fewer strikeouts and strong on-base ability when in rhythm.
Areas to Improve:
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Power Metrics: Barrel rates and launch angles suggest limited top-tier power compared to elite sluggers, especially after surgery recovery.
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Expected Metrics: Some seasons show a gap between expected and actual outcomes (e.g., xBA vs BA), suggesting occasional “luck” influences.
Whether for fantasy analysts or front office decision-makers, these nuanced stats help evaluate Kim beyond the box score.
Injury History: Impact on Performance
Injuries have played a significant role in Kim’s recent career narrative.
Shoulder Labrum Surgery (2024)
In August 2024, Kim suffered a right shoulder labrum tear, requiring offseason surgery. This injury limited his 2025 season availability and influenced contract negotiations.
2025 Season Setbacks
In 2025, Kim spent time on the injured list both with the Rays and then the Braves due to:
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Shoulder recovery timelines
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Lower back inflammation
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Additional minor ailments impacting playing time
Despite these setbacks, his defensive prowess and flashes at the plate remain indicators of his overall talent.
Age & Prime Performance
At 30 years old, Kim is in the typical “prime years” for position players — often a window where defensive skills and hitting approach stabilize. His age places him at a point where teams expect leadership, baseball knowledge, and consistent contributions, particularly in middle infield roles.
His career trajectory — from KBO dominance to MLB Gold Glove hardware — outlines a path of consistent growth despite physical obstacles.
Career Highlights
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MLB Gold Glove Award (2023) – First Korean-born infielder to win the honor.
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KBO Golden Gloves (2018–2020) – Multiple defensive awards before MLB entry.
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International Competition: Represented South Korea in major world tournaments.
These accolades underscore Kim’s global baseball impact long before his MLB prominence.
What Makes Kim a “Baseball Savant”?
The term “Baseball Savant” often refers to players whose value emerges most clearly through data analytics. For Kim:
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Versatility: Plays multiple infield spots at a high defensive level.
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Sabermetrics: Positive defensive RAAs and positional adjustments contribute to WAR.
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Base Running: Above-average stolen base rates and situational speed.
Though not a pure slugger, his combination of defense and hands-on baseball intellect make him extremely valuable in sabermetric projections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Ha-Seong Kim’s current contract?
As of December 2025, Kim signed a one-year, $20M contract with the Atlanta Braves for the 2026 season, following a stint claimed off waivers from the Rays.
2. How old is Ha-Seong Kim?
Ha-Seong Kim was born October 17, 1995, making him 30 years old in late 2025.
3. What are Kim’s advanced stats (Fangraphs/Savant)?
Kim’s hard-hit percentages and exit velocities position him as a contact-oriented batter with defensive impact metrics that boost WAR, though power metrics are moderate.
4. What injuries has Kim had recently?
Kim underwent shoulder labrum surgery in 2024 and faced additional 2025 setbacks like back inflammation, affecting playing time.
5. Why is Kim considered valuable despite average batting?
He provides elite defense, high baseball IQ, solid baserunning, and reliable contact — traits that analytical models prize, especially at premium defensive positions.
Final Thoughts
Ha-Seong Kim remains one of the most analytically fascinating players in MLB. His story — from KBO standout to MLB contributor — shows how modern baseball values more than just batting average. With a robust defensive profile, insightful sabermetric backing, and a new contract in Atlanta, Kim’s journey is a testament to skill, adaptability, and resilience.
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