The Atlanta Braves haven't been the biggest spenders this offseason compared to some other clubs, but they did bring back shortstop Ha-Seong Kim on a one-year, $20 million deal.
It's a quality pickup for the Braves, as their infield gets to stay strong in 2026. However, a wrench was thrown in the plan for the Braves amid a new report.
The Braves announced that Kim, their $20 million shortstop, sustained an injury in Korea and will miss the start of the 2026 season. It's shocking news on Kim, and a terrible update for the Braves.
Braves get terrible news on Ha-Seong Kim
"INF Ha-Seong Kim sustained a hand injury while in Korea and underwent surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger. The procedure was performed by Dr. Gary Lourie today in Atlanta, and the expected recovery time is 4-5 months."
This update on Kim is some terrible news for the Braves and their $20 million shortstop. After signing a $20 million deal with Atlanta, he was expected to be the starting shortstop.
But what makes this injury news on Kim so surprising is how he sustained the torn tendon in his finger. Mark Bowman of MLB.com revealed that Kim sustained the injury when he "fell on ice while in Korea."
The Braves are now going to be without their starting shortstop, who they just recently paid $20 million to re-sign, thanks to some ice in Korea.
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This is some brutal luck for the Braves and Kim, as the shortstop will now miss 4-5 months, beginning with Spring Training, then Opening Day, and then the first month or so of the 2026 MLB season.
The 30-year-old is coming off a.684 OPS season with great defense for the Braves in 24 games. While he didn't play the full year, his promise was enough for Atlanta to prioritize him this winter.
Kim is going to miss a large portion of the 2026 season, as he's slated to miss around 4-5 months, which could put his return sometime around the All-Star break.
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