MLB Designates Kim Ha-seong as Free Agent
The veteran infielder hits the open market following a difficult 2026 season with the Atlanta Braves.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Baseball
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Major League Baseball has officially designated Kim Ha-seong as a free agent. The move follows a challenging 2026 campaign for the infielder, who struggled with injuries and production after signing with Atlanta.
Why it matters
Ha-seong's transition to free agency marks the conclusion of a difficult tenure in Atlanta that was significantly impacted by an off-season injury. The veteran player now looks to reset his career after a season that failed to meet expectations.
Ha-seong finished the 2026 season with a .116 batting average and a .359 OPS across 51 games. He recorded 0 home runs, 9 RBIs, and 11 runs scored while earning a $20 million salary.
The players
Kim Ha-seong
He is a professional baseball player who recently completed a single-season tenure with the Atlanta Braves.
Atlanta Braves
This is a professional Major League Baseball franchise based in Atlanta.
Major League Baseball
This is the professional baseball organization that oversees the rules and eligibility of player contracts.
The details
After signing a one-year, $20 million contract with the Atlanta Braves in December 2025, Ha-seong struggled significantly following an icy road accident in South Korea that caused a ruptured tendon in his right middle finger. He did not debut until May 13, 2026, and ultimately finished the year with negative value.
Timeline
January 2026: Ha-seong suffered a finger injury during an accident in South Korea.
May 13, 2026: The infielder played his first game of the season for Atlanta.
October 30, 2026: MLB designated Ha-seong as a free agent.
Season Trajectory
Ha-seong's entry into free agency follows the 2025 MLB free agency market cycle, marking a departure from his previous standing as a high-value infielder. His availability now tests how teams value veteran players coming off injury-plagued campaigns compared to historical roster-building trends.
The Braves now have a vacated roster spot and the flexibility of $20 million in salary cap space previously allocated to Ha-seong's contract. This opens the possibility for the organization to pursue different depth options or starting alternatives during the winter meetings.
The takeaway
Players entering free agency following injury-shortened seasons often face significant volatility in their market value. Proactive recovery and health transparency will be critical for Ha-seong to regain the trust of front offices looking to fill roster gaps.
Further reading
For more on roster moves, visit the Atlanta Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 조선일보.
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