Padres fans always loved Ha-Seong Kim. The slick infielder was a fan favorite, and many Friars fans were hoepful that he would return to San Diego in 2025. However, Kim switched agents, and the writing on the wall was clear that he would not come back to Petco Park.
Rather, Kim inked a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, which wound up becoming a relationship that did not pan out. Lower back problems led to Kim sitting on the injured list, and the Rays no longer had any interest in him.
In a return back to the National League, the Atlanta Braves claimed Kim off waivers on September 1, then activated him on September 2.