Kim Ha-seong’s 10-Game Hitting Streak Snapped — But His Braves Breakout Is Just Beginning
Every hot streak has to end sometime, and for Kim Ha-seong, that moment came Tuesday night in Atlanta. The Braves edged the Washington Nationals 3-2 at Truist Park, but Kim’s personal momentum slowed as he went 0-for-4 with three groundouts and a flyout. His season-long hitting streak was halted at 10 games — an impressive stretch that showcased just how vital he’s become since arriving in Atlanta earlier this month.
A Streak Worth Talking About
During his 10-game tear, Kim slashed an eye-popping .378 (14-for-37), racked up two home runs, eight RBIs, and crossed the plate 10 times. His batting average surged from a pedestrian .217 to a much more respectable .257 before Tuesday’s setback nudged it slightly down to .250. More than the numbers, though, his at-bats showed confidence, patience, and a knack for making things happen when the Braves needed it most.
Turning the Page in Atlanta
What makes this run even more compelling is how quickly Kim has turned his season around. After an injury-plagued stint with the Tampa Bay Rays, he joined the Braves off waivers in early September — and he hasn’t looked back. In just a few short weeks, he’s hitting .309 in September, bringing stability to the middle infield and giving Atlanta fans a reason to believe their team has found the reliable shortstop they’ve been craving.
On Tuesday, the hits didn’t fall his way. Facing Nationals starter Brad Lord, Kim grounded out twice early before flying out in the sixth and bouncing out to third base in the eighth against reliever Julian Fernandez. Even so, his defense and presence in the lineup continue to carry weight far beyond the box score.
What’s Next: Option or Open Market?
Here’s where things get really interesting: Kim has a $16 million player option for next season. At 30 years old, with a Gold Glove already on his résumé, he’s in a position to make a big decision. Does he stay in Atlanta, where the fit seems natural and the opportunity is clear? Or does he decline the option, test free agency, and potentially command a larger, longer-term deal on the open market?
The Braves, for their part, may not want to wait. With a glaring need at shortstop and Kim proving he can deliver both at the plate and in the field, an extension could be on the table sooner rather than later. His resurgence in Atlanta feels like the kind of storyline that changes both a player’s career and a team’s trajectory.
A Night for Korean Stars Around the League
Kim wasn’t the only Korean making headlines Tuesday. Over in San Francisco, Lee Jung-hoo of the Giants went 1-for-4 with an RBI against the St. Louis Cardinals, even though his team ultimately fell 9-8 and saw their postseason hopes crushed. Meanwhile, Dodgers utility man Kim Hye-seong remained on the bench, still waiting for his next shot after limited action this month.
The Bottom Line
Yes, Kim Ha-seong’s streak ended at 10 games. But if Braves fans are looking for silver linings, here’s the biggest one: the veteran shortstop has rediscovered his rhythm, and he’s doing it at exactly the right time. His glove, his bat, and his energy are already making him a fan favorite in Atlanta — and the way things are shaping up, his story with the Braves may just be getting started.
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