Braves claim INF Ha-Seong Kim off waivers from Rays

The Atlanta Braves have claimed former Rays and Padres infielder Ha-Seong Kim on waivers, according to multiple reports.

Kim began his MLB career with San Diego, tallying a .242 batting average, 200 RBIs and 47 HRs.

He was the first Asian-born infielder to win a Golden Glove, which he won alongside San Diego teammate Fernando Tatis Jr. in 2023. Earlier this year, Kim inked a two-year, $29M contract with the Rays, which included a first-year opt-out.

Kim's tenure with the Rays has been filled with injuries, beginning the season on 60-day IL for a shoulder surgery he underwent in October 2024 to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder he suffered with the Padres. After his debut with the Rays on July 4, he was sidelined once again for tightness in his right calf, and finally placed on 10-day IL in late July for lower back inflammation.

His short tenure with Tampa Bay tallied a final stat line of 24 games, a .214 batting average, five RBIs and two HRs.

Kim is ready to come off the IL for his back injury, as the Braves aim to add him as a key piece for the last month of the season, being 17 games back in the National League East. His play will most likely determine what Atlanta does with his $16 million player option for 2026, as he turns 30 next month.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Braves transferred infielder Austin Riley, who had season-ending core surgery, to the 60-day IL.

--Field Level Media