The Braves recently announced that infielder Ha-Seong Kim suffered a hand injury in South Korea, requiring surgery to fix a torn tendon in his right middle finger. While the procedure took place in Atlanta, he faces a recovery period of four to five months. This unfortunate incident comes after Kim slipped on ice, as reported by MLB.com’s Mark Bowman.
This injury is tough for the Braves. They claimed Kim from the Rays last September, looking forward to him strengthening their lineup for the 2026 season. Despite opting out of his player option, he eventually signed a one-year deal worth $20 million in December. Bringing Kim back was a major move for the Braves, especially after their poor shortstop performance last year, where they ranked last in the majors with a dismal 54 wRC+.
When healthy, Kim can be a valuable player, contributing significantly on both offense and defense. However, injuries have become a recurring theme in his career. He had previously torn the labrum in his right shoulder in August 2024, which cut short his time with the Padres just when they were making a playoff push. Although the Rays signed him, they knew he would miss part of the season for recovery, but he faced multiple setbacks, keeping him off the field even longer.
His solid performance in September with the Braves made the decision to test the market a wise one. By re-signing, he not only secured a better contract than if he had accepted his option, but he showed his value right away. The Braves were hoping he could turn around their offense, especially after trading Nick Allen.
Now, the Braves must wait for Kim’s recovery. The best-case scenario puts him back by mid-May, although he might need more time to get back into shape after missing spring training. In the meantime, utility player Mauricio Dubon will step in as the regular shortstop. While Dubon is reliable, he’s not a long-term solution, raising concerns about the depth of the roster.
To compensate, the Braves might consider free agents like Isiah Kiner-Falefa, but with a nearly $50 million increase in payroll this winter, budget constraints could limit their options. Shortstop alternatives are scarce, but a signing like Jorge Mateo could provide some much-needed support. Even exploring trade possibilities makes sense, especially as the Cubs are rumored to be open to trading second baseman Nico Hoerner, given their recent roster changes.
Injuries in sports are often unpredictable. In fact, according to recent studies, teams lose an average of 24% of their potential wins each season to injuries. This highlights the critical need for depth and versatility in player rosters. As the Braves navigate these challenges, fans will be eagerly watching how management addresses Kim’s absence.
Keeping tabs on the situation through reliable sources like MLB.com remains key for updates on Kim’s recovery and the team’s next steps.
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