Free Agent Kim Ha-seong Landed in Tier 5 of MLB.com Rankings Following Injury-Plagued Season
Crown jewel,
MLB.com called Tarik Skubal as the site ranked 181 free agents leading into next season. Kim enters free agency after his contract with the Atlanta Braves concluded, facing a difficult market following a season defined by severe injuries and limited playing time.
Defensive Acclaim Followed by Surgery and Hand Injuries
Kim entered the major leagues in 2021 with the San Diego Padres, establishing himself as an everyday starter through elite defensive skills. He reached a career milestone in 2023 by becoming the first Asian-born infielder to win a National League Gold Glove in the utility category. Momentum stalled in September 2024 when he underwent surgery on his right shoulder just as he approached free agency.
After joining Atlanta during the 2025 season, Kim batted .253 with three home runs to spark hopes of a recovery. Those hopes dissolved in January before the current season when he slipped on ice, rupturing a tendon in his right middle finger. The resulting physical limitations kept him restricted to 51 regular-season games, where he batted .116 with nine RBIs and briefly watched his average dip below .100.
Tarik Skubal and the Rest of the 2026 Free Agent Market
MLB.com divided 181 players into five tiers to assess the winter market. The site assigned detailed explanations and season evaluations to players in tiers 1 through 3 while leaving tiers 4 and 5 without commentary. Skubal was named the tier 1 player after securing two consecutive Cy Young Awards between 2024 and 2025, a stretch that included a midseason trade from the Detroit Tigers to the Los Angeles Dodgers and a postseason run.
Eighteen players secured positions in tier 2. That group features Japanese infielder Teruaki Sato—who applied via the posting system after winning the batting triple crown in the Central League of Nippon Professional Baseball—alongside outfielder Seiya Suzuki, outfielder Randy Arozarena, and infielder Luis Arraez. Hanwha Eagles infielder Noh Si-hwan, who also applied for posting, did not appear among the categorized players.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kim Ha-seong and Free Agency
How many games did Kim Ha-seong play during the 2026 season?
Kim appeared in 51 regular-season games for the Atlanta Braves after suffering a ruptured tendon in his right middle finger on an icy patch in January.
Which player took the top tier in the MLB.com free agent rankings?
Tarik Skubal claimed tier 1 status following his back-to-back Cy Young Awards across the 2024 and 2025 seasons.