TAMPA -- Seven months ago, the Rays signed Ha-Seong Kim to one of the largest free-agent contracts in franchise history, confident that the veteran shortstop could come back from shoulder surgery to lengthen their lineup and fortify their infield defense.
Leading up to the July 31 Trade Deadline, the Rays received some calls from clubs interested in Kim but kept him, with the hope of him playing a role in reversing their midseason skid.
On Monday, Kim’s brief and disappointing tenure with the Rays came to an end, as he was claimed off waivers by the Braves. Rather than returning from the 10-day injured list with Tampa Bay, he will now look to bounce back in Atlanta.
Three factors contributed to the Rays’ decision, president of baseball operations Erik Neander said: Kim’s struggles as he battled through injuries, Tampa Bay’s position outside the playoff race and the chance to evaluate top prospect Carson Williams over the final month of the season.
“Where we are in the standings right now, giving Carson the opportunity to learn a little bit more about him over this next month was important to us,” Neander said before the Rays’ 10-2 victory in the series opener against the Mariners on Monday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field. “If that could be done while giving Ha-Seong a chance to go play regularly for the next month, felt that would be a good thing for him.”
Kim had been on the 10-day injured list, recovering from low back inflammation and appeared to be in line to rejoin Tampa Bay as active rosters expanded from 26 to 28 players. But Kim was placed on waivers, and the Braves -- one of the top teams in the claiming order, based on their record -- were willing to take a shot on the former Gold Glove Award winner, relieving the Rays of the remainder of his contract.
The Rays went beyond their usual means to sign Kim in February, giving him $13 million this season with a $16 million player option for next year. The Braves are now responsible for the roughly $2 million Kim is due this season, and he could opt into another season with Atlanta.
After undergoing season-ending right shoulder surgery last year, Kim didn’t make his Rays debut until July 4. Then he continued to battle injuries that limited his effectiveness even when he was able to take the field.
Kim dealt with a right calf injury shortly after joining the team, went on the injured list in late July due to a back issue and then returned to the IL on Aug. 21 due to low back inflammation. Overall, he had a slash line of .214/.290/.321 with 0.1 bWAR in only 24 games for Tampa Bay.
“If we were 10 games over .500, Ha-Seong Kim's not on waivers,” Neander said. “I think if we're 10 over, this isn't a consideration. We're running it out. But we are not. We're two games under, and you have to be responsive to that. It's not just this move, but [that] has influenced some of the opportunities we've given to players here recently.
“Yeah, you want to continue to go out and compete and play your best baseball, but you're doing it with a little bit more of a mind on 2026 at the same time.”
Kim’s exit, combined with injured shortstop Taylor Walls’ uncertain status for the rest of the season, leaves the door open for Williams to prove himself as the Rays’ starting shortstop down the stretch. He was called up from Triple-A Durham on Aug. 21.
“For Carson, this is going to be an opportunity to get out there for 30 games and learn your way a little bit more at the big league level than maybe what we had originally anticipated,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “We know he’s talented, but this game’s tough.”
Regarded as an excellent defensive shortstop in the Minors, Williams entered Monday slashing .250/.300/.429 (7-for-28) with a home run and six RBIs in his first eight big league games.
Neander and manager Kevin Cash were quick to temper expectations for the 22-year-old, but Williams won’t have to look over his shoulder the rest of the season.
“It’s just a learning process right now,” Williams said. “I want to take this next month and try to help this team win as much as possible and along the way try to get better at the things I want to improve on.”
Even if he struggles, the Rays hope it will be a valuable opportunity for Williams. Neander compared it to Junior Caminero’s regular playing time down the stretch last season, one the former top prospect turned into a learning experience that propelled him to an All-Star campaign this year.
“When you're in a situation where your team hasn't gotten the wins you'd like them to have, you're trying to make the most of it,” Neander said. “And one way to do that is by giving a young player opportunity and seeing what they then do with that opportunity.”