The Atlanta Braves know that one of their biggest needs is the shortstop position. The Braves had hoped to secure Ha-Seong Kim’s player option at the end of the season, but he decided to go nuclear, making things very interesting. If Kim doesn’t get extended by the Braves, it will put them in another dilemma.

“Because of this thin market, that would incentivize Kim to test the market. For that same reason, it’s even more important that the Braves find a way to retain his services,” SI’s Harrison Smajovits wrote. “If he opts out and signs elsewhere, they could be back to square one with this dilemma. The offense has had its struggles as is, and they have, at least for now, figured out one of the issues.”

However, in an interview, Kim made it clear that he really did enjoy his time in Atlanta.

“It was great. I enjoyed it in Tampa Bay, but I think I had more fun and enjoyed playing baseball in Atlanta. I’m sorry I kept feeling unwell and in pain in Tampa Bay,” Kim said.

Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos is running out of time to extend Kim. With the World Series just a day away, the window to close the deal is narrowing.

“The deadline for a decision from Kim is five days after the World Series concludes, meaning the Braves only have at most a couple more weeks to work out an extension with Kim before other teams come calling,” HTHB’s Chase Owens wrote. “The question is: can Anthopoulos get an offer on the table that would make Kim reconsider testing the market? Is four years, $90 million enough to get it done, or is Kim determined to see what other teams will offer, knowing the Braves should be there as a fallback?”

The Braves are in a dire spot right now and need to secure Kim, or it’s going to get pricey. Atlanta knows the importance of Kim, especially if he can stay healthy throughout the season.

There’s no need for Atlanta to overcomplicate things; if Kim is willing to work with Anthopoulos, the deal needs to get done.

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