Ken Rosenthal: Kim Ha-seong rejects 4-year offer from A's (mostly 2B)

The multi-year deal Kim Ha-seong rejected: According to sources briefed on the discussions, the Athletics offered free agent shortstop Kim Ha-seong a 4-year, $48 million contract, leaving room for growth. Instead, 30-year-old Kim Ha-seong chose a 1-year, $20 million deal with the Atlanta Braves, prioritizing the chance to hit the open market again next season.

His choice follows a pattern familiar to Boras clients. Rather than signing a long-term contract under unfavorable market conditions, he's aiming to fully realize his value later. He only played 48 games last season due to right kneecap surgery and lower back inflammation.

The A's plan for Kim was almost entirely to play him at second base. He might have filled in at short if Jacob Wilson missed time with an injury. But now that Kim is off the board, the A's will likely need to address their 2B and 3B needs via trade. The remaining free agent infielders, including Bo Bichette, Munetaka Murakami, and Kazuma Okamoto, are expected to be out of their price range.

Offseason notes, per @Ken_Rosenthal: • Athletics offered Ha-Seong Kim a 4-year, $48M contract. • Mariners remain in mix for Ketel Marte, Brendan Donovan.

Offseason notes, per @Ken_Rosenthal: • Athletics offered Ha-Seong Kim a 4-year, $48M contract. • Mariners remain in mix for Ketel Marte, Brendan Donovan.