Ha-Seong Kim injury update: Braves shortstop out four to five months after suffering hand injury in Korea

Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim suffered a serious hand injury this offseason and can tentatively be expected to play a sizable portion of the 2026 MLB season. Kim was involved in an accident in South Korea, and he had surgery on his right hand, the team announced Sunday, and doctors have given a recovery timeline of four to five months.Kim and the Braves were also relying on the veteran infielder to be part of the team’s defense this year, and the injury is a big blow to both parties. Kim had signed a one-year contract over the winter to provide his new club with another steady, athletic presence and postseason experience, after a lackluster 2025 season in the wake of a largely absent 2024 season.Kim suffered a tear in a tendon in his right middle finger while slipping in Korea earlier this offseason, according to the Braves. Immediately after landing stateside, he had surgery that was deemed a success. But the recovery will take months, and he will have to take months before he returns to baseball activities.Team officials say Kim is expected to miss four to five months, meaning he's unlikely to return until late May or early June. He is officially out for Opening Day and will miss significant time in spring training, although there is a belief he will be able to help later in the season.It's a blow for a player whose game centers around defense, hand strength, and quick reflexes. The Braves will treat the rehab with white gloves to avoid complications or relapses.Realistically, Kim leaves a void in Atlanta's plans down the middle of the field. After a season of injuries and inconsistencies at the major league level, he was signed to provide stability at shortstop. In his absence, the Braves will likely look internally to start the season, facing competition for playing time from utility options and younger infielders.The first shot at shortstop will likely go to free-agent signing Mauricio Dubón, with even more in-house depth. But none provide the same sort of dependable, experienced defensive assurance Kim does at present. This means the front office could look to patch things up with a free-agent signing or a midseason trade if possible.