Braves predicted to trade for $31M World Series MVP, Gold Glove winner to replace Ha-Seong Kim

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Braves predicted to trade for $31M World Series MVP, Gold Glove winner to replace Ha-Seong Kim originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves are in an interesting position as the trade deadline approaches. While pitching remains an area of focus, the club has also struggled to get consistent production from the shortstop position.

The Braves signed Ha-Seong Kim after his tremendous month of September last season. However, Kim has struggled offensively in Atlanta, leading to criticism from some Braves reporters.

“He's basically getting paid $4 million a hit. At some point, I don't know how long that leash can go,” The Athletic’s Jesus Cano said.

Atlanta has used Mauricio Dubón, Jorge Mateo, Jim Jarvis, and Kim at shortstop this season. Once Ronald Acuña Jr. returns, Dubón could become the primary option at the position. As a result, there is legitimate reason to believe the Braves could move Kim before the trade deadline.

“Kim wouldn’t be the centerpiece of any deal. But it doesn’t feel like he has a fit in Atlanta with both Mauricio Dubón and Jorge Mateo looking like better options at the shortstop position. Pairing Kim with a top pitching prospect and agreeing to pay the remaining portion of his $20 million salary to a middle infield-needy team could net a decent return,” MLB.com’s Mark Bowman wrote.

If Atlanta prefers to keep Dubón in the outfield, trading for a shortstop could become a realistic option. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan believe the Braves could target Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña.

“Peña has always been a plus defender at shortstop with a strong power/speed combo, but his feel for hitting and pitch selection comes and goes. He made the most of Daikin Park's Crawford Boxes by leaning into power and pull/lift, and his 2025 baseball card stats ran hot with better-than-you'd-expect outcomes on balls in play fueling a 5.7 WAR season. Expect more years in line with his other WAR figures (2.7 to 3.3) for the next few seasons,” Passan and McDaniel wrote.

Acquiring Peña would be a significant boost for the Braves, as he has another year remaining on his contract and would provide a major upgrade offensively at a position that has been a weakness for Atlanta throughout the season.

Peña has earned more than $31 million during his career with the Astros. In addition to his production at the plate and strong defense, he would bring valuable postseason experience, including his World Series success, to Atlanta.

More MLB news:

• Braves predicted to make monster trade for $32M two-time Cy Young winner to contend with Dodgers​

• Braves predicted to make monster trade for $26M All-Star, former No. 1 pick to pair with Chris Sale​

• Braves predicted to part ways with $71M World Series champion and All-Star after brutal stretch​

• Braves predicted to make monster trade for $32M two-time Cy Young winner to pair with Chris Sale​

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