The Atlanta Braves claimed shortstop Ha-Seong Kim off waivers from Tampa Bay last September with the intention of signing him to a deal in the offseason. They did just that, signing him to a one-year, $20 million contract back in December.
Unfortunately, Kim, who played just 48 games last season while dealing with both shoulder and back injuries, is set to start this season on the injured list once again. Kim tore a tendon in his finger in January when he slipped on ice while walking in the street at home in South Korea.
Kim will miss at least the first month of the season as he recovers from the injury, but he’s committed to recovering quickly and staying positive while doing it.
âIâm just trying to stay in a positive mindset,â Kim said through an interpreter. âI also feel very sorry to the team because of what’s happened and how I’m impacting the team. But I’ll try my best to recover as fast as I can and help the team.
Iâm told that with rehab, you can fully recover from this. So I’m trying to stay in a positive mindset every day and do my part to get back on the field as soon as possible.â
Kim was slated to be the Braves everyday shortstop this season, but he will give way to Mauricio Dubón as he recovers to start the season.
Kim Aiming to Return to Braves Lineup in Early May
Kim hasn’t confirmed that he will return in early May despite Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos claiming that was the target. With hand injuries, the recovery timeline may dictate one thing, but getting back to full comfortability as a player is paramount, and can take longer than expected.
âThese guys have got to clear all these hurdles before we give him the next one,â Braves manager Walt Weiss said. âI mean, it’s his hand. I think it’ll happen quickly once he starts being able to swing the bat and throw. Then, it’s just about getting in the baseball shape.â
Kim Looking to Replicate Numbers From Early Career Success
Last year was certainly tumultuous for Kim, who never really got into a good rhythm as he missed the first three months of the season as he recovered from a torn labrum.
Kim’s most productive MLB season came in 2023 with the San Diego Padres, when he played 152 games. In 2023, Kim hit .260 with 17 home runs and 60 RBI. Also possessing elite speed, Kim had 38 stolen bases.
The Braves are hoping Kim can get back to that level of play when he returns from his injury, hopefully in May; at the $20 million price point, they’re clearly expecting big things from him.
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