Just weeks after the Braves bolstered their infield with what seemed like a calculated, low-risk addition, the club finds itself facing an all-too-familiar dilemma: another critical injury before a single pitch is thrown.
Another Injury Delays Kim’s Debut Yet Again
Ha-Seong Kim, the versatile shortstop signed to a one-year, $20 million deal in December, is headed to the injured list before Opening Day, again. The 30-year-old underwent surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger after an off-field accident in Korea, where he reportedly slipped on ice. The estimated recovery time? Four to five months. Best case, Kim returns mid-May. Worst case, we’re looking at June.
For Braves fans, this is déjà vu, and not the good kind. Kim already missed the first half of last season with a shoulder injury, only to return in September after being claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay. Though his time in Atlanta was brief, with a .684 OPS over 24 games, there were glimpses of the player he was in 2023, a year when he blasted 17 homers for San Diego and posted a solid .749 OPS.
High Hopes, Light Market, and a Risk That Didn’t Pay Off
The Braves took a calculated gamble this winter. The shortstop market was paper-thin, and despite Kim’s injury history, his upside remained undeniable. This setback, however, delays the answer to the burning question: can Kim reclaim his 2023 form, or have the injuries chipped too much off the stone?
In a winter that saw few shortstop options, Kim’s name stood out not for his durability, but for his ceiling. His defense, versatility, and occasional power stroke made him one of the more intriguing pieces on the market. Now, that intrigue turns to anxiety as the Braves wait to see if their investment will take the field in meaningful games.
Dubón Takes the Reins, With Defensive Gold but Offensive Questions
In the meantime, all eyes shift to Mauricio Dubón. Best known for his elite glove work, he’s a two-time Gold Glove winner at the utility spot. Dubón now gets his shot to hold down shortstop full-time. Braves manager Walt Weiss has already voiced confidence in Dubón’s ability to manage the role, and while his bat won’t replace Kim’s potential, his defense and flexibility offer a strong floor.
So while Braves single-game tickets are now on sale with spring optimism in the air, there’s already a shadow hanging over the infield, and it comes shaped like a bandaged finger and a ticking clock.
