Ha-Seong Kim declined his $16 million player option for 2026 and entered free agency. The Atlanta Braves picked him up off waivers last summer, hoping he could bounce back after injuries limited him during the season. Kim's 2025 season was average, and it was clear that the shoulder surgery from 2024 was still impacting him. But his resume is still solid. From 2021 to 2024 in San Diego, Kim averaged close to 3 WAR per season, played elite defense around the infield and won a Gold Glove in 2023.He’s played shortstop, second base and third base at a high level, runs well, handles pressure without noise, and at 30, he’s young enough for clubs to hope there’s more to unlock. So where could he land? These three teams stand out for reasons that are easy to define.#1. Atlanta BravesThis is still the most realistic fit. Atlanta still needs a shortstop, and it knows the free-agent SS market isn’t deep.The Braves already liked Kim enough to claim him once, and his 2025 at-bats were steadier than most of their internal corner infield options.Re-signing him on a short-term deal, 1 or 2 years max, gives Atlanta another experienced arm at the position without adding long-term payroll stress or blocking their future core.#2. Seattle MarinersSeattle has stopped chasing one-box players. The Mariners' rotation is elite, but the infield behind J.P. Crawford at SS wasn’t consistent and their 2B/3B combination needs better defense and smarter bats.Kim doesn’t replace Crawford, but he gives Seattle someone who can play 2B or 3B, move around if needed, help the defense, run a little, and give them 15-homer upside if the swing timing wakes back up.Playing in a park where great pitching lives means Kim’s glove actually matters here.#3. Detroit TigersDetroit likes players who fit the timeline without blocking it. They have young pitching and an improving lineup, but shortstop and third base are still problematic.Gleyber Torres could walk in free agency. Kim could give the Tigers shortstop defense, or 2B/3B flexibility and a bat that could easily outperform what they had last summer if he finds his rhythm.If the market stalls after Bo Bichette signs, Detroit is one of those clubs that could step in fast with a short, clean deal.