Braves back to square one at shortstop after latest injury news

The Atlanta Braves thought they had an answer at shortstop for 2026 when they re-signed Ha-Seong Kim to a one-year, $20 million contract. Instead, the Braves find themselves back at square one.

The Braves announced on Sunday that Kim injured his right hand and underwent surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger. He is expected to miss four to five months as he recovers. Mark Bowman from MLB.com reported that Kim suffered the injury after falling on ice in South Korea.

This will mark the second consecutive season where Kim will miss significant time due to injury. He tore the labrum in his right shoulder in August 2024, causing him to miss the majority of the 2025 season due to setbacks. Kim struggled when he was able to return to the diamond last season, posting a .214/.290/.321 batting line over 93 plate appearances for the Rays, hitting two homers and three doubles while stealing six bases.

Ha-Seong Kim injury leaves gaping hole in Atlanta Braves infield

The Braves took a chance on Kim after he was placed on waivers by the Rays, hoping to keep him in Atlanta for the 2026 season. Kim performed better during 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 worked out. Although Kim opted out of the two-year deal he had signed with the Rays, the Braves were able to bring him back for the upcoming season. 

The Braves have options to cover shortstop while Kim is sidelined. Utility man Mauricio Dubon is a two-time Gold Glove winner and has been solid defensively at short but has not hit enough to hold a starting role. Nacho Alvarez Jr. has yet to appear at short in the majors but has 187 games of experience at the position in the minors. A one-year deal for a player such as Isiah Kiner-Falefa or Jorge Mateo could work as a bridge until Kim is healthy. However, no matter which option the Braves decide upon, they have a gaping hole in the infield that they likely believed was taken care of.