Ha-Seong Kim Bio
Ha-Seong Kim (Korean: 김하성; born October 17, 1995) is a South Korean professional baseball infielder for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has also played in MLB for the San Diego Padres and Tampa Bay Rays, and in the KBO League for the Nexen Heroes. Known for his steady defense and versatile bat, Kim has built a reputation as one of the top Korean infielders of his generation.
Drafted 41st overall in the 2014 KBO League Draft, Kim quickly rose through the Heroes system and became a multi-time Golden Glove winner before transitioning to MLB. In 2023, he became the first Korean-born player to win a Major League Gold Glove Award.
Early Life and Background
Ha-Seong Kim was born on October 17, 1995, in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, and grew up as the youngest of three children. He attended Yatap High School in Seongnam, Gyeonggi, where he starred on the baseball team and developed into one of the country’s most talked-about young infielders. In his final high school season, Kim batted .375 with a .477 on-base percentage and stole 20 bases.
In 2013, he led Yatap High School to a runner-up finish in the national high school baseball tournament, a performance that elevated his draft stock. His mix of contact hitting, speed, and smooth defensive actions at shortstop drew comparisons to established Korean stars, setting the stage for his professional career.
Path to Professional Baseball
Following his standout high school run, Kim was selected 41st overall by the Nexen Heroes in the 2014 KBO League Draft. He made his KBO debut in May 2014, becoming one of the youngest players in the league and quickly earning a reputation for his calm glove work at shortstop. By his second season, he had taken over as the everyday shortstop, filling the vacancy left by Kang Jung-ho’s move to MLB.
Kim blossomed into a star in the KBO, posting impressive on-base skills and power numbers while anchoring the Heroes’ infield. His rapid development earned him three consecutive KBO Golden Glove Awards from 2018 through 2020, cementing his status as one of the league’s premier players.
Ha-Seong Kim Career
Nexen/Kiwoom Heroes (2014–2020)
Ha-Seong Kim debuted with the Nexen Heroes on May 18, 2014, collecting a double and a triple in his first game. He soon earned regular playing time and became a fixture in the middle of the Heroes’ lineup. His glove drew praise early, and by 2015 he was regarded as the heir apparent at shortstop.
In 2018, Kim helped South Korea win gold at the Asian Games, earning a special military service exemption, and was named KBO Golden Glove winner for the first time. He added the honor again in 2019 and 2020, capping his KBO career with a historic 30-home-run, 100-RBI, 100-run season in 2020. After the 2020 season, the Heroes posted him to MLB, opening the door for his move to the United States.
San Diego Padres (2021–2024)
On December 31, 2020, Ha-Seong Kim signed a four-year, $28 million contract with the San Diego Padres that included a mutual option for 2025. He made his MLB debut on April 1, 2021, and recorded his first MLB home run on April 10 against the Texas Rangers. Kim split time across the infield and contributed eight home runs and six stolen bases in his rookie year.
In 2022, Kim set a career high with five RBI in a single game against the Kansas City Royals and finished the year batting .251 with 11 home runs. His breakout came in 2023, when he slashed .260/.351/.398 with 17 home runs, 60 RBI, and 38 stolen bases. That November, Kim won the National League Gold Glove Award for utility players, becoming the first Korean-born player to receive the honor.
In 2024, Kim batted .233/.330/.370 with 11 home runs and 22 stolen bases in 121 games before shoulder surgery ended his season and kept him out of the Padres’ postseason run. He declined his portion of a mutual option in November 2024 and became a free agent.
Tampa Bay Rays (2025)
On February 3, 2025, Kim signed a two-year, $29 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays that included an opt-out clause after one season. He opened the year on the injured list while recovering from shoulder surgery and was transferred to the 60-day IL on May 9. On July 3, he was activated and made his Rays debut, before a back issue sent him back to the injured list in late August.
Atlanta Braves (2025–present)
On September 1, 2025, the Atlanta Braves claimed Kim off waivers. He started at shortstop the following night and hit his first home run as a Brave three days later against the Chicago Cubs. Kim finished the 2025 season with five home runs and 17 RBI in a Braves uniform. After the season, he declined the mutual option in his contract and reached free agency again, before re-signing with Atlanta on December 15, 2025, on a one-year, $20 million deal that runs through 2026.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ha-Seong Kim combines above-average plate discipline with plus speed, allowing him to work counts, take walks, and create pressure on the bases. Defensively, he offers positional versatility across shortstop, second base, and third base, with smooth footwork and a reliable arm. His willingness to adjust and his comfort in utility roles have made him a valuable piece of any roster.
Notable Events and Milestones
Kim’s 2023 Gold Glove Award stands as a signature milestone, marking the first time a Korean-born player earned the honor. He also joined the prestigious 30-100-100 club in KBO history during his final Heroes season and represented South Korea in multiple international events, including the 2017 and 2023 World Baseball Classic and the 2019 WBSC Premier12, where he was named the best shortstop.
Ha-Seong Kim Career Wins
Ha-Seong Kim’s career is defined by team success and individual awards across two of the world’s top professional leagues. In the KBO, he won three consecutive Golden Glove Awards and helped the Heroes capture a Korean Series title. In MLB, he captured a National League Gold Glove Award in 2023.
KBO League Highlights
Kim’s KBO tenure included three straight Golden Glove Awards from 2018 through 2020. His 2020 campaign stood out, as he became only the second shortstop in league history to record 30 home runs, 100 RBI, and 100 runs in a single season. He also helped the Heroes win the Korean Series that year, marking his second Korean Series appearance since his debut.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his Golden Gloves, Kim was named the best shortstop of the 2019 WBSC Premier12 and earned the Mr. All-Star honor at the 2018 KBO All-Star Game after a multi-home-run performance. He also won a gold medal with South Korea at the 2018 Asian Games.
Ha-Seong Kim Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Kim’s parents and siblings remain limited. He grew up as the youngest of three children in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, where he developed his early love for baseball before attending Yatap High School in Seongnam.
Personal Life
Ha-Seong Kim keeps his personal life largely private. He has not publicly disclosed details about a spouse or children, preferring to focus attention on his career on the field.
2025 Season Performance
Ha-Seong Kim’s 2025 season was defined by recovery, transition, and a late-season home. After signing with the Tampa Bay Rays in February, he spent the first half of the year on the injured list recovering from shoulder surgery. Once activated in July, he appeared at shortstop and second base before a back issue curtailed his Rays stint in August.
On September 1, Kim was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves and quickly slotted into the middle infield. He hit his first home run as a Brave days later and finished the year with five home runs and 17 RBI in Atlanta. Following the season, he declined the mutual option in his contract and returned to free agency.
In December 2025, Kim re-signed with Atlanta on a one-year, $20 million contract, signaling the Braves’ confidence in his defensive versatility and offensive upside. With shoulder health returning and a clear everyday role on the horizon, Kim is positioned to be a key contributor for Atlanta’s infield in the seasons ahead.