ATL, Kim Ha-sung and Kim Ha-sung have a foundation for an extension contract, establishing a strong Keystone duo with 2B Albies with the shortstop they were looking for
Sep 16, 2025
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In an away game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on the 16th (Korea time), Kim Ha-sung started as the 5th shortstop and played 1 hit, 1 run and 1 walk in 4 at-bats, contributing to an 11-3 victory.
Kim Ha-sung, who had his first three hits this season against the Houston Astros the previous day, continued his hit streak for three consecutive games, raising his batting average to 0.238 (30 hits in 126 at-bats) and OPS to 0.653, respectively. In 12 games since moving to Atlanta, he has a batting average of 0.286 (12 hits in 42 at-bats), one home run, six RBIs, four runs, four walks, and an OPS of 0.735.
Kim Ha-sung, who stepped down with a grounder to the third base in his first at-bat in the second inning and a double play in the fourth inning, went out as a leadoff hitter in the third at-bat in the sixth inning with a 5-1 lead, hit a double, and then homered on a follow-up hit to widen the gap to 6-1. After a close race with Washington left-hander Mitchell Parker to the 10th pitch, he pulled a 79-mile curve that fell to the high course in the middle, fell inside the left line and hit a line drive double that hit the fence.
It is the first double since moving to Atlanta with a hard hit of 104.2 miles. Then, when Drake Baldwin hit right, Kim Ha-sung homered with ease.
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In an article titled 'Alvis and Kim Ha-sung's success clearly answers the Braves' middle-in-field problem', MLB.com evaluated that Atlanta's Keystone duo, which recruited Kim Ha-sung, has changed stably.
The media emphasized that the middle in-field, which was Atlanta's chronic problem during the 2025 season, is getting answers for the future due to the revival of built-in second baseman Ajie Smith and newly recruited Kim Ha-sung. In particular, about Kim Ha-sung, he was announced on waivers in the race earlier this month, but joined the team after receiving Atlanta's claim and made 3 hits in 4 at-bats the day before, showing well what he can do at bat.
Albies was sluggish with a batting average of 0.220 and an OPS of 0.606 before the All-Star break, but he is playing his part with a batting average of 0.276 (59 hits in 214 at-bats), nine homers, 40 RBIs, 30 points, and an OPS of 0.788 in 55 games in the second half.
MLB.com expects Atlanta to implement Albies' $7 million club option next year, reminding skeptics of what he can do at the plate.
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In an interview with this media outlet, Kim Ha-sung said, `The more I do it steadily, the more I can regain my old sense. As I moved the team this time, I'm feeling better and better. It's getting back on track."
Kim Ha-sung signed an FA contract with Tampa Bay earlier this year for a total of $29 million. This year's salary is $13 million, and next year's player option is $16 million. In other words, if Kim Ha-sung gives up his option, he can become an FA.
According to MLB.com , "'Kim Ha-sung has chosen the option and is expected to be with Atlanta next year as well.'" Atlanta general manager Alex Anthropolos may lower Kim Ha-sung's annual average salary and tie him into a long-term contract. The current coach Snitker predicted that he will accept shortstop Kim Ha-sung's system.
If Kim Ha-sung executes next year's option or not, Atlanta is likely to sign an extension contract. After the end of the World Series, Kim Ha-sung, the Atlanta club and agent Scott Boras are expected to discuss the issue in depth.
"Kim Ha-sung has shown me positive aspects since he came here," Snitker said. His overall performance is truly impressive. He expressed satisfaction, saying, "A solid player who does everything well."
Albies, who is wearing a locker next to Kim Ha-sung in the locker room, said "He's a great player. I've seen him play for other teams over the years, and now he's our player. He said, "I'm always playing hard and putting all my energy into the team that can help the team."
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
