The Atlanta Braves and shortstop Ha-Seong Kim agreed to a contract on Monday, with Jeff Passan of ESPN reporting the news. Passan also reported that Kim is expected to handle shortstop duties in 2026.

“Infielder Ha-Seong Kim and the Atlanta Braves are in agreement on a one-year, $20 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Kim had multiyear opportunities but will return to Atlanta, play shortstop full-time and hit the free agent market again next winter,” Passan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

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Before the Braves signed Kim, many wondered if Atlanta would give Mauricio Dubon the starting shortstop job. There was also speculation that suggested the Braves could look to trade for Corey Seager. The Texas Rangers are planning to keep Seager, however. While Atlanta believes in Dubon, they clearly seem to have interest in giving Kim the shortstop job in 2026.

Atlanta’s shortstop outlook has become especially intriguing. They were previously quite thin at the position, but it’s now become a rather deep part of the roster.

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Kim will lead the way with Dubon working as a versatile infielder. It would not be surprising to see Dubon play multiple positions throughout the 2026 campaign.

The same can be said for Eli White. White can play both the outfield and the infield. If he makes the big league roster, White could be an emergency shortstop.

For Kim, it seems 2026 will be a prove-it year. Passan reported that he had multi-year contract offers, but they must not have been overly enticing, as the 30-year-old decided to return to Atlanta on a one-year contract. If Kim plays up to his potential in 2026, he will likely earn a lucrative contract over multiple years in free agency next offseason.

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For now, Ha-Seong Kim is preparing to play shortstop for Atlanta during the upcoming campaign. One has to wonder if Atlanta will consider giving him a contract extension, as the Braves do not have a clear shortstop of the future. Dubon is 31 and is best-suited as a utility infielder.

If Kim signs elsewhere in free agency next year, perhaps the Braves will consider signing a big name shortstop. Of course, they could look to draft and develop their next star at the position.

While there is long-term uncertainty at shortstop in Atlanta, the Braves’ 2026 outlook is promising as the team hopes to rebound after a difficult overall 2025 season.