Ha-Seong Kim Injury Sidelines Him for Most of 2026 Season

Ha-Seong Kim, the Atlanta Braves’ starting shortstop, has recently undergone surgery for a significant injury sustained in Korea. He suffered a torn tendon on his middle finger, which has put him on the sidelines for the majority of the 2026 season. The surgical procedure occurred today, and recovery is expected to take four to five months.

Contract and Team Moves

Kim was signed by the Braves this offseason on a one-year, $20 million deal after being claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays in September 2025. Although he opted out of his player option, he ultimately returned to Atlanta. The Braves had traded last year’s starting shortstop, Nick Allen, for super-utility player Mauricio Dubon.

Dubon is anticipated to step in as the team’s starting shortstop, assuming no further transactions are made before Spring Training. The Braves currently lack proven shortstop options behind Dubon, prompting speculation of potential additions to bolster their roster.

Potential Roster Changes

The Braves may seek to acquire a player with shortstop experience for organizational depth. Some candidates include:

• Nacho Alvarez, Jr., who has minor league experience at shortstop but isn’t projected as a full-time solution.
• Luke Waddell and Jim Jarvis, both of whom have significant experience at shortstop and are currently in Triple-A.
• Former Brave Luke Williams, who is currently a free agent.

Additionally, the Braves have recently released utility players Vidal Brujan and Brett Wisely, who provided depth but were not substantial options at shortstop.

Free Agent Market Overview

As Kim recovers, the Braves may consider additional players available on the free agent market. The most experienced shortstop currently available is Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who could be a valuable asset as the team navigates this injury setback.

As the Braves prepare for the season, leadership will need to act swiftly to ensure they maintain a competitive edge without their starting shortstop. The upcoming months will be crucial as they refine their roster in response to Kim’s absence.