Ha-seong Kim is steadily preparing for a return to the major leagues. He also provided enthusiastic fan service in the minor leagues.
Ha-seong Kim, who is playing for the Double-A Columbus Klingstons under the Atlanta Braves, started at shortstop batting second in the first game of a doubleheader against the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits (affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays) at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia, on the 3rd (Korean time), and went 1-for-1 with 2 walks, 2 runs, completing a 100% on-base performance.
That day Kim Ha-seong came to the plate in the first inning with one out and no runners on, reached on a walk after one strike and scored on David McKayb's two-run homer. Batting leadoff in the bottom of the third, Kim Ha-seong delivered a single to center, his first hit in two games. He then scored on Luke Waddell's double for his second run. In the bottom of the fifth with one out and no runners on, Kim Ha-seong again reached on a walk to record his third time on base. He was replaced defensively to start the seventh inning and finished the game.
Meanwhile, before the game Columbus posted on social media a photo of Kim Ha-seong surrounded by Columbus's young fans signing autographs. Reaction and interest were intense when a star who had won a Gold Glove in the big leagues appeared in Columbus, a small city of 200,000. Kim Ha-seong signed for fans one by one with a bright smile.
Kim Ha-seong became eligible for free agency in 2024 and went to market, but signed a two-year, $29 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. However, his return was delayed by shoulder surgery, and he fell short of expectations after twice landing on the injured list with a back injury. Ultimately Tampa Bay placed him on waivers and he changed uniforms to Atlanta.
He later declined a one-year, $16 million player option and opted out to re-enter the market, signing a one-year, $20 million contract with Atlanta. But this January he slipped on ice and suffered a rupture of the tendon in his right middle finger. As a result, Kim Ha-seong had to start the season again in rehabilitation.
Kim Ha-seong, who has been playing in Double-A rehab games since the 30th of last month, was making his third appearance. His Double-A batting average is .400 and his OPS is 1.025. Major league players on the injured list are allowed 20 days of minor league rehab games. Can Kim Ha-seong prove that he is ready for a big-league call-up within 20 days?
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