Braves’ Infielder Faces Extended Absence Due to Injury
The Braves are set to lose a vital player for a large part of the 2026 season.
Kim Ha-sung, who was anticipated to take on the role of starting shortstop, is scheduled to undergo surgery for a torn tendon in his right middle finger. The team shared that he will be out for approximately four to five months.
As reported by MLB.com, Kim’s injury was sustained during a slip and fall on the ice in South Korea.
The 30-year-old joined the Braves last September as a waiver addition from the Rays, having faced a challenging prior season filled with injuries.
After recovering from shoulder surgery at the start of 2025, Kim managed to play only 24 games for Tampa Bay before dealing with further back problems that placed him on injured reserve again.
Atlanta brought him on board in early September, intending to utilize him as their shortstop moving forward.
“Had I stayed healthy, I think I would’ve played more,” Kim reflected through an interpreter after his move to Atlanta. “Clearly, the season didn’t unfold as I had hoped.”
He expressed excitement about joining a talented roster and the desire to finish the season on a healthier note.
In September, he recorded a batting line of .253/.316/.368 with three home runs and 12 RBIs. After that performance, he chose to opt out of the second year of a two-year, $29 million contract signed last offseason.
Now, Kim has re-signed with the Braves on a one-year, $20 million deal, renewing his commitment as the team’s regular shortstop for 2026.
Braves’ director of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos mentioned that Kim’s comfort level has increased since joining the team, stating, “Even though he hasn’t been here long, he has adapted quickly.”
Kim’s prior experience includes accolades as a Gold Glove Award-winning utility player, and he’s demonstrated a noteworthy combination of speed, power, and defensive skill over five seasons in MLB.
He underwent shoulder surgery back in October 2024 for a minor tear in his labrum, sustained at the end of August during that same season.
Both the Rays and Braves are hopeful that he can recapture the form he showed in 2023, where he had impressive stats of .260/.351/.398, along with 17 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 38 stolen bases with the Padres.
Having signed a four-year, $28 million deal with the Padres before entering major league baseball, Kim is well-acquainted with competitive play.
Additionally, Gold Glove winner Mauricio Dubon was acquired by Atlanta this offseason and is expected to take on a significant role at shortstop until the start of the 2026 season.
