The Atlanta Braves have announced that starting shortstop Ha-Seong Kim sustained an injury in Korea and had surgery to repair a torn tendon on his middle finger. The surgery took place today and is expected to miss four to five months.
Kim was signed this off-season on a one-year, $20M contract after the Braves claimed him off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays in September 2025. Kim opted out of his player option but ended up back with Atlanta.
Atlanta swapped last year’s starting shortstop Nick Allen for super-utilityman Mauricio Dubon who will likely no be the team’s starting shortstop unless the Braves make a move prior to Spring Training.
Atlanta doesn’t proven big league options at shortstop behind Dubon. Look for the Braves to make a move to add a player with at least some shortstop experience to provide depth in the organization. Nacho Alvarez, Jr. has played shortstop in the minors but would not be a full-time options. The team has minor leaguers Luke Waddell and Jim Jarvis at Triple-A who both have extensive experience at shortstop.
Former Brave Luke Williams is a free agent. The team recently parted with Vidal Brujan and Brett Wisely who were both utility depth options.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa is the most experienced shortstop on the free agent market.
