Braves Predicted to Replace Injured Ha-Seong Kim with $6.1M 2-Time Gold Glove Winner

The Atlanta Braves are expected to turn to Mauricio Dubón to fill in at shortstop while Kim recovers from injury.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:36am

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The Atlanta Braves are facing the prospect of being without starting shortstop Ha-Seong Kim for the start of the 2026 season after he underwent surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger. While Kim is expected to return around May, the Braves have acquired utility player Mauricio Dubón, a 2-time Gold Glove winner, who could push for the starting shortstop role in Kim's absence.

Why it matters

The Braves made a significant investment in Kim this offseason, signing him to a one-year, $20 million contract. If Kim is unable to return to form, the team may need to turn to Dubón, who has proven himself as a versatile and skilled defender, to fill the void at shortstop.

The details

Kim suffered the finger injury in January while slipping on an icy street in Korea. He has recently returned to the Braves' Spring Training camp and is aiming to return around early May, though the team is preparing for the possibility of being without him to start the season. The Braves acquired Dubón, who has a $6.1 million salary, in a trade and there is growing belief that he could push for the starting shortstop job even after Kim returns.

  • Kim underwent surgery to repair the torn tendon in his right middle finger in January 2026.
  • Kim is expected to return to the Braves around early May 2026.
  • The Braves acquired Mauricio Dubón in a trade prior to the 2026 season.

The players

Ha-Seong Kim

The Braves' starting shortstop who is expected to miss the start of the 2026 season due to a finger injury.

Mauricio Dubón

A utility player acquired by the Braves who is a 2-time Gold Glove winner and could push for the starting shortstop role while Kim is out.

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What they’re saying

“Kim says his condition has improved after two months of rehab and he's aiming to return as soon as possible, hopefully around early May. The injury happened after slipping on an icy street, but he was told there should be no long-term issues if rehab goes well.”

— Eric Yu (Twitter)

“I think Mauricio Dubón—you guys are going to be screaming for him to be the everyday shortstop by the middle of June.”

— Matt Chernoff, Radio Host (680 The Fan)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the importance of depth and versatility on a Major League roster, as the Braves may need to turn to Dubón to fill in at shortstop while their high-priced free agent signing recovers from injury. It also raises questions about the long-term viability of Kim's contract if he is unable to return to form.