Key Takeaways
- Ha-Seong Kim, the expected starting shortstop for the Atlanta Braves, will be sidelined for four to five months due to a torn tendon in his right ring finger.
- Kim suffered the injury while in his homeland of Korea and underwent surgery on January 18 in Atlanta.
- The Braves will likely have Mauricio Dubon starting at shortstop on opening day instead of Kim.
- Kim was acquired by the Braves from the Tampa Bay Rays at last season’s trade deadline and was re-signed to a one-year, $20 million contract this offseason.
- Kim has hit.242/.324/.377 with 52 homers and 84 stolen bases in five major league seasons since signing with the Padres in 2021.
Introduction to the Injury
The Atlanta Braves’ offseason took an unexpected turn when it was announced that Ha-Seong Kim, the team’s expected starting shortstop, would be sidelined for four to five months due to an injury. Kim, who was acquired by the Braves from the Tampa Bay Rays at last season’s trade deadline, suffered a torn tendon in his right ring finger while in his homeland of Korea. The injury required surgery, which was performed on January 18 in Atlanta. This news comes as a significant blow to the Braves, who were counting on Kim to be a key contributor to their team this season.
Kim’s Background and Career
Kim, 30, has been a versatile player throughout his career, playing for several teams including the San Diego Padres and the Tampa Bay Rays. He won a Gold Glove as a utilityman with the Padres in 2023, showcasing his defensive skills and ability to play multiple positions. In five major league seasons since signing with the Padres in 2021, Kim has hit.242/.324/.377 with 52 homers and 84 stolen bases. His impressive performance earned him a one-year, $20 million contract with the Braves this offseason, and he was expected to be the team’s starting shortstop for the 2026 season.
Impact on the Braves’ Roster
The loss of Kim will likely have a significant impact on the Braves’ roster, particularly at the shortstop position. With Kim out, the team will likely have to rely on other players to fill the gap. One possible replacement is Mauricio Dubon, a two-time Gold Glove utilityman who has experience playing shortstop. Dubon is expected to start at shortstop on opening day, and the team will have to adjust their lineup accordingly. The Braves will also have to consider other options, such as calling up players from the minor leagues or making a trade to acquire a new shortstop.
Recovery and Return
Kim’s recovery from the injury is expected to take four to five months, which means he will likely miss a significant portion of the 2026 season. The Braves will have to be patient and wait for Kim to recover before he can return to the field. In the meantime, the team will have to rely on other players to fill the gap and hope that Kim can make a successful return to the lineup. The Braves’ medical staff will work closely with Kim to ensure that he receives the best possible care and rehabilitation, and the team will provide updates on his progress throughout the season.
Conclusion and Outlook
The injury to Ha-Seong Kim is a significant setback for the Atlanta Braves, but the team will have to adapt and find ways to overcome the loss. With a deep roster and a strong lineup, the Braves are still expected to be a competitive team in the 2026 season. The team will have to rely on other players to step up and fill the gap, and they will have to be patient and wait for Kim to recover. Despite the setback, the Braves are still poised to have a successful season, and fans will be eager to see how the team responds to the injury and how Kim performs when he returns to the field.
