The Braves might not prioritize upgrading Orlando Arcia despite it being a popular desire among fans. While Arcia struggled last season, his $2 million contract is an appealing value, especially given the team’s other pressing needs in the outfield, rotation, and bullpen.
Market conditions also play a significant role in General Manager Alex Anthopoulos’s decisions. The shortstop market is thin, with Willy Adames standing out as the top free agent option. However, competition for Adames is fierce, with numerous teams potentially vying for his services due to his openness to shifting from shortstop.
One intriguing alternative for the Braves could be pursuing international free agent Hyeseong Kim of the Korea Baseball Organization’s Kiwoom Heroes. Unlike Roki Sasaki, Kim is eligible to sign a major league contract of any length and value, but he is expected to attract significant interest.
Kim offers qualities that align well with Atlanta’s needs, including being a left-handed hitter—a valuable addition to their predominantly right-handed lineup. Over the past four seasons, Kim has hit over .300 consistently, with an on-base percentage exceeding .372. Though not a power hitter, he set a career-high with 11 home runs last season, along with 26 doubles and four triples. His contact-hitting style would complement the Braves’ power-heavy offense.
Defensively, Kim is highly skilled and has become a star in the KBO. Additionally, his base-running abilities stand out, with 135 stolen bases in 155 attempts over the past four seasons. His performance this past year included a .326/.383/.458 batting line, showcasing his value as a consistent and versatile player.
Kim could provide a significant upgrade over Arcia at shortstop, combining offensive reliability, defensive prowess, and dynamic base-running to fill a gap in the Braves’ roster.
