Braves reporter urges organization to part ways with $20M undperforming Gold Glove winner
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Braves reporter urges organization to part ways with $20M undperforming Gold Glove winner originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves snapped their three-game losing streak on Wednesday night with a win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Atlanta is looking to get back on track after a difficult month of June.
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There has been one Brave who hasn't been able to break out of his slump all season, and that is shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. Concerns have been growing since the end of May, when it became clear a decision regarding Kim could eventually have to be made.
“Sounds like the Braves may be approaching a crossroads with Ha-Seong Kim. The belief internally may still be there, but if this continues another couple weeks, it feels like a legitimate ‘what are we doing at shortstop?’ conversation is coming,” 680 The Fan’s Chris Dimino said.
Kim has provided virtually nothing at the plate. Braves manager Walt Weiss has continued to give him opportunities, but the results simply have not been there. His offensive production has been a major disappointment this season.
“Ha-Seong Kim has hit .068 (5-for-71). One of his five hits was a squeeze bunt. He went 4-for-31 (.129 BA) through his first nine games. He is hitless in his past 27 at-bats. Sandy Leon, who was DFA’d on June 18, has more hits (2) this month than Kim (1),” MLB.com’s Mark Bowman posted.
On Wednesday, Braves beat writer Jesus Cano appeared on the Foul Territory podcast to discuss Atlanta's season. When asked about Kim, Cano suggested the Braves may not be able to stay patient much longer.
“He's basically getting paid $4 million a hit. At some point, I don't know how long that leash can go,” Cano said.
The Braves are trying to remain patient with Kim, but expectations were much higher after what he showed late last season. With Austin Riley also struggling at the plate, Atlanta can't afford to have another non-productive bat in the lineup.
Kim is on a $20 million contract for this season with the Braves, but he has not come close to living up to that salary. Atlanta will eventually have to make a decision, and Cano believes the best move may be to cut ties with Kim following his abysmal start.
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