The Atlanta Braves’ infield depth took a major hit over the weekend, as the team announced that veteran infielder Ha-Seong Kim will be sidelined for the next four to five months following surgery on his right hand. The 28-year-old underwent the procedure in Atlanta to repair a torn tendon in the middle finger of his throwing hand-an injury he sustained while back home in South Korea after reportedly slipping on ice.
For a Braves team with postseason aspirations and a roster built to win now, this is a tough blow. Kim was expected to be a key piece in the middle infield rotation, bringing elite defensive chops and solid veteran presence to a group that already boasts plenty of talent. Now, the club will have to pivot quickly to fill that gap.
Kim’s defensive value has never been in question. During his four seasons with the San Diego Padres, he established himself as one of the premier gloves in the game, racking up an impressive 15.1 bWAR-most of it driven by his work with the leather. While his bat hasn’t always kept pace with his glove, his versatility and ability to stabilize the infield made him a coveted asset.
Last year, Kim signed a two-year, $29 million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, but injuries limited him to just 24 games. He didn’t make his debut until July and never got into a rhythm before being placed on waivers.
That’s when the Braves swooped in, claiming him and then re-signing him in December to a one-year, $20 million deal. In his brief stint with Atlanta late last season, Kim flashed some of the two-way potential the team hoped for, hitting .253 with a .316 on-base percentage, three home runs, and 12 RBIs across 24 games.
But now, with Kim out until at least midseason, the Braves are left scrambling to plug a significant hole. One option on the table: Mauricio Dubón.
The 31-year-old utility man came over in a November trade from the Houston Astros in exchange for infielder Nick Allen. Dubón is no stranger to stepping into key roles-he’s played all over the diamond and brings a steady glove and a contact-heavy bat.
If the season started today, he’d be the leading candidate to take over at shortstop.
Still, replacing Kim’s defensive instincts and leadership won’t be easy. His ability to make the routine look automatic and the tough plays look easy is something that doesn’t show up in the box score but makes a huge difference over the course of 162 games.
For now, the Braves will monitor Kim’s recovery, hoping he can return in time to make an impact down the stretch. In the meantime, they’ll need their depth-and maybe a little creativity-to keep things steady up the middle.