The Atlanta Braves are looking to bounce back in 2026. Missing the playoffs last season, Atlanta finished 76-86. This was the team’s worst mark since the 2017 season. Usually one of MLB’s perennial postseason contenders, the Braves were hampered by injuries last season, snapping a seven-year streak of making the playoffs.
One of the biggest holes for Atlanta last season was at shortstop. The Braves’ .549 OPS at that position ranked dead last, as nether Nick Allen nor Ha-Seong Kim were able to produce any consistent offense. That said, the latter is just a few seasons removed from being above league average at the plate — which when paired with his Gold Glove caliber defense makes him a solid option at short.
Kim re-signed with the Braves this offseason on a one-year, $20 million deal. As he looks to get back to his 2023 form that saw him post a career-best 107 OPS+ in 152 games for the San Diego Padres, the right-handed hitting shortstop suffered a setback.
It was announced by the Braves on Sunday that Kim will begin 2026 on the injured list with a finger injury.
“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 Braves announced. “The procedure was performed by Dr. Gary Lourie today in Atlanta, and the expected recovery time is 4-5 months.”
Mark Bowman of MLB.com later provided more insight on the injury that will sideline Kim to begin the season.
“Kim injured his right middle finger when he slipped on a sheet of ice while in his native Korea this past week,” Bowman wrote. “The 30-year-old missed the first three months of the 2025 season while recovering from offseason right shoulder (labrum) surgery. He also missed time with a back ailment last year.”
Mauricio Dubón, who the Braves acquired from the Houston Astros via trade earlier this offseason, is expected to open the year as Atlanta’s starting shortstop. The versatile infielder owns a career 85 OPS+ across seven seasons, but does have two Gold Glove awards. He profiles very similar to the type of player Atlanta has had at shortstop for much of the last year.
With a healthy Ronald Acuna, Matt Olson and others, the Braves can still be a real bounce back candidate in 2026. But the uncertainty at shortstop is real, and the pitching staff could still use reinforcements.
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