Braves' Shortstop Battle Could Shape 2026 Season

Ha-Seong Kim, Mauricio Dubón, and Jorge Mateo compete for starting role

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Atlanta Braves have a crowded shortstop competition this spring training, with Ha-Seong Kim, Mauricio Dubón, and Jorge Mateo vying for the starting job. Kim is currently injured and will miss the start of the season, leaving Dubón and Mateo to battle it out. Dubón is a versatile utility player, while Mateo brings elite speed but has struggled with strikeouts. Whichever player wins the starting shortstop role could have a major impact on the Braves' chances in the competitive NL East division.

Why it matters

The Braves are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and return to the playoffs. Their shortstop decision will be crucial, as the position is key to their infield defense and lineup construction. Whichever player wins the job will have a chance to establish themselves as an everyday starter and help shape the Braves' fortunes in 2026.

The details

Mauricio Dubón is the experienced utility player who can fill in at multiple positions, while Jorge Mateo brings elite speed and power potential but has struggled with strikeouts in the past. Ha-Seong Kim, the likely starter if healthy, is sidelined until May with an injury. Dubón's versatility and experience may give him an early edge, but Mateo has a higher ceiling if he can improve his plate discipline.

  • Ha-Seong Kim will be out until May with an injury.

The players

Mauricio Dubón

A versatile utility player who can play multiple positions, Dubón is a career .257 hitter with an OPS of .669. His experience and defensive skills could give him an early edge in the Braves' shortstop competition.

Jorge Mateo

One of the fastest players in MLB, Mateo had a decent 2022 season with the Orioles, hitting .221 with 13 home runs and 35 stolen bases. However, his high strikeout rate remains a concern, and he'll need to improve his plate discipline to win the Braves' starting shortstop job.

Ha-Seong Kim

A Gold Glove-caliber defender, Kim was the likely starter at shortstop for the Braves before suffering an injury that will keep him out until May. His elite defense could make him the long-term answer at the position if he can stay healthy.

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The takeaway

The Braves' shortstop competition will be a key storyline to watch this spring training, as the winner of the job could have a significant impact on the team's fortunes in 2026. Dubón's experience and versatility may give him an early edge, but Mateo's speed and power potential make him an intriguing option if he can improve his plate discipline. Whichever player emerges as the starter, they'll have big shoes to fill with the injured Kim sidelined to start the season.