Braves' latest waiver claim sends Padres fan favorite back into National League

Padres fans always loved Ha-Seong Kim. The slick infielder was a fan favorite, and many Friars fans were hoepful that he would return to San Diego in 2025. However, Kim switched agents, and the writing on the wall was clear that he would not come back to Petco Park.

Rather, Kim inked a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, which wound up becoming a relationship that did not pan out. Lower back problems led to Kim sitting on the injured list, and the Rays no longer had any interest in him.

In a return back to the National League, the Atlanta Braves claimed Kim off waivers on September 1, then activated him on September 2.

Braves claim former Padres fan favorite Ha-Seong Kim off waivers

Kim batted sixth for the Braves in his debut on Tuesday night, playing shortstop. In classic Kim fashion, he went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles.

With the Rays this season, Kim appeared in 24 games, batting .214 with five extra-base hits, five RBIs, and 23 strikeouts. These marks were well-below what Kim produced in four San Diego seasons. With the Padres, Kim was a .242 hitter with 98 OPS+, garnering a Gold Glove award in 2023.

Kim is excited for the opportunity of starting for a new team. The Braves, who have dealt with injuries all year as well, are happy to have him.

“He's ready to go,” manager Brian Snitker said on MLB.com. “He wants to play every day. We told him, 'If something happens and you need a day, we'll give you a day.' If not, then the plan is to have him out there pretty much every day.”

Atlanta is 62-77 in the standings, far out of reach of a postseason berth. So, the Padres are not likely to run into Kim in the playoffs. It may be better that way, though. Let's keep our distance from Kim in his first season outside San Diego. He's been a bad luck charm for the Padres, as they were swept by the Rays back in April.