Atlanta, where PS failed for eight consecutive years, was on fire, and Kim Ha-sung was not in a hurryCy Young Left-hander Invokes 26 Billion Options

Nov 06, 2025

AP Yonhap News

Kim Ha Sung is not in a hurry!

The Atlanta Braves put out the urgent fire. I managed to catch left-hander fireball ace Chris Sale.

U.S. local media, including 'ESPN', reported in unison on the 6th (Korea time) that Atlanta will implement the club's option for the sale.

Signed a five-year, $145 million contract with the Boston Red Sox Sale, who moved to Atlanta, signed a two-year, $38 million contract ahead of the 2024 season. The conditions put in at that time were $18 million (about 26 billion won) club options in 2026.

Sale, who showed off his robustness by receiving the 2024 National League Cy Young Award, only won 7-5 in 21 games this season. He injured his ribs while playing defense in June, and his return at the end of August was a fatal blow.

APF Yonhap News

Atlanta has failed in fall baseball for the eighth consecutive year due to a string of starting pitchers, including Sale. Maintaining the starting lineup is a must in order to regain its foothold as a strong player next year. Without a doubt, the team has implemented its option with Sale. As a result, Sale will also play in the Atlanta uniform in 2026.

Atlanta is also a team that is worried about shortstop position. So he caught Kim Ha-sung, who was notified of his release from the Tampa Bay Rays during the season. It was expected to execute the +1 year contract with Tampa Bay of up to $29 million in 1+1 year contract and be together.

However, Kim Ha-sung declared an opt-out and became eligible for FA, and whether he would remain in Atlanta fell into a mystery. It is unclear whether Atlanta will be able to hold onto Kim Ha-sung with an annual salary of $20 million per year.