The Atlanta Braves thought they’d a solution at shortstop for 2026 after they re-signed Ha-Seong Kim to a one-year, $20 million contract. As a substitute, the Braves discover themselves again at sq. one.
The Braves introduced on Sunday that Kim injured his proper hand and underwent surgical procedure to restore a torn tendon in his proper center finger. He’s anticipated to overlook 4 to 5 months as he recovers. Mark Bowman from MLB.com reported that Kim suffered the harm after falling on ice in South Korea.
This may mark the second consecutive season the place Kim will miss vital time because of harm. He tore the labrum in his proper shoulder in August 2024, inflicting him to overlook the vast majority of the 2025 season because of setbacks. Kim struggled when he was in a position to return to the diamond final season, posting a .214/.290/.321 batting line over 93 plate appearances for the Rays, hitting two homers and three doubles whereas stealing six bases.
Ha-Seong Kim harm leaves gaping gap in Atlanta Braves infield
The Braves took an opportunity on Kim after he was positioned on waivers by the Rays, hoping to maintain him in Atlanta for the 2026 season. Kim carried out higher throughout his few weeks with the Braves, posting a .253/.316/.368 batting line with three homers and a double in his 98 plate appearances.
That plan had labored out. Though Kim opted out of the two-year deal he had signed with the Rays, the Braves have been in a position to deliver him again for the upcoming season.
The Braves have choices to cowl shortstop whereas Kim is sidelined. Utility man Mauricio Dubon is a two-time Gold Glove winner and has been strong defensively at quick however has not hit sufficient to carry a beginning function. Nacho Alvarez Jr. has but to look at quick within the majors however has 187 video games of expertise on the place within the minors. A one-year deal for a participant similar to Isiah Kiner-Falefa or Jorge Mateo may work as a bridge till Kim is wholesome. Nevertheless, irrespective of which possibility the Braves determine upon, they’ve a gaping gap within the infield that they possible believed was taken care of.
