Infielder Ha-Seong Kim has been sidelined for 4 to 5 months after undergoing hand surgery. He sustained a torn tendon in his right middle finger while in South Korea. The surgical procedure took place today in Atlanta.
Details of the Injury
The injury occurred following a fall on ice, according to a report by MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. This news is disappointing for the Atlanta Braves, who acquired Kim off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays last September with hopes of enhancing their roster for the 2026 season.
Background on Ha-Seong Kim
- Re-signed with the Braves on a one-year, $20 million deal in December 2023.
- His return was part of the Braves’ strategic signings, including Robert Suarez.
- Kim had previously opted out of his player option for 2026.
Braves’ Shortstop Struggles
Ha-Seong Kim was expected to solve a critical issue for the Braves’ roster. Last season, their shortstop position had a league-worst 54 wRC+ and just 0.4 fWAR, outpacing only the Guardians and Rockies.
Kim’s Performance and Health Concerns
When fit, Kim is a valuable asset, typically contributing three to four wins through solid offensive and defensive play. However, his health issues have become a recurring theme. In August 2024, a torn labrum in his right shoulder curtailed his tenure with the San Diego Padres, affecting their postseason run against the World Champion Dodgers.
Previous Challenges
Last winter, the Rays signed Kim to a two-year contract, aware that he would miss the early part of the season due to his shoulder surgery. Unfortunately, his recovery took longer than anticipated, delaying his debut until after the All-Star break. Additionally, he encountered further setbacks, landing on the injured list multiple times due to back and calf ailments.
Future Outlook
Initially believed to pick up his player option for 2026, Kim opted to showcase his talent with the Braves in September. His performance reassured the Braves, leading to a lucrative contract that exceeded his previous option by $4 million. Despite the extra financial investment, the Braves viewed Kim as crucial to addressing their shortstop challenges and revitalizing their offense.
The Braves will now need to adjust as they await Kim’s recovery. The addition of a reliable player like him could have significantly transformed their lineup, especially following the recent trade of Nick Allen to the Houston Astros.
As Kim embarks on his recovery, further updates will be awaited from El-Balad to monitor his progress and potential return to the field.
