The Atlanta Braves are entering the 2026 season under an unusually heavy cloud, following one of the most disappointing campaigns the franchise has experienced in recent memory.

Expectations were high a year ago, but Atlanta failed to reach the postseason, finishing below .500 largely due to an extraordinary wave of injuries that disrupted nearly every aspect of the roster.

Unfortunately for the Braves, that injury misfortune has already followed them into 2026, delivering an early setback that immediately complicates their plans for a return to contention.

The latest blow involves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, who recently underwent finger surgery after sustaining a hand injury while overseas in South Korea.

Atlanta officially confirmed the development in a statement, outlining both the nature of the injury and the expected timeline for Kim’s recovery.

“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 in their release.

The procedure was performed in Atlanta by Dr. Gary Lourie, a respected hand specialist frequently consulted by professional athletes across multiple sports.

According to the team, Kim’s expected recovery window is four to five months, immediately ruling him out for Opening Day and potentially much of the first half of the season.

That timeline significantly alters Atlanta’s infield plans, particularly given the instability the organization has faced at shortstop since losing Dansby Swanson in free agency several years ago.

Following Swanson’s departure, the Braves cycled through multiple internal and external options, none of whom fully solidified the position as a long-term solution.

Kim was acquired midseason in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, with Atlanta believing he could finally provide stability at shortstop entering 2026.

His defensive reliability, contact-oriented offense, and postseason experience made him an ideal fit for a Braves team desperate for consistency up the middle.

Now, those plans have been temporarily derailed, forcing the front office to quickly reassess its depth and contingency options.

Atlanta’s ability to absorb Kim’s absence is further complicated by recent roster decisions that reduced shortstop depth across the organization.

Earlier this offseason, the Braves traded Nick Allen to the Houston Astros, eliminating one potential internal replacement.

That move leaves the Braves with limited experienced options at the major league level, intensifying scrutiny on younger players within the system.

One such candidate is Nacho Alvarez Jr., a highly regarded prospect currently listed as a bench piece entering spring training.

Alvarez has logged significant innings at shortstop throughout his minor league career and is viewed internally as defensively capable of handling the position.

While unproven at the MLB level, his familiarity with shortstop mechanics may earn him early-season opportunities as Atlanta navigates Kim’s recovery.

Relying on a young player carries risk, particularly for a team aiming to rebound quickly from last season’s disappointment.

However, Atlanta may have little choice if it prefers internal development over external acquisition.

The free-agent market provides limited relief, especially after Bo Bichette signed with the rival New York Mets.

Bichette’s availability once represented the most appealing external option, but his signing removed the lone elite shortstop from the open market.

With that door closed, remaining free agents offer more modest production profiles rather than impact upside.

Among the best available options are Isaiah Kiner-Falefa and Jorge Mateo, both of whom bring defensive versatility but limited offensive ceilings.

Either player could serve as a temporary replacement, but neither represents a clear upgrade capable of altering the Braves’ competitive outlook.

Atlanta’s infield configuration further limits positional flexibility, eliminating the possibility of reshuffling established stars.

Austin Riley remains firmly entrenched at third base, where he continues to be one of the league’s premier offensive threats.

Similarly, Ozzie Albies is locked into second base, providing elite production and defensive stability.

With those positions secured, Atlanta must address shortstop externally or trust internal depth rather than repositioning its core contributors.

The decision carries broader implications, as early-season performance could shape the Braves’ trade deadline strategy.

A slow start may force Atlanta into reactive roster management rather than proactive contention-building.

Conversely, effective shortstop coverage could stabilize the roster until Kim returns, preserving postseason aspirations.

The Braves still believe their roster possesses playoff-level talent, assuming improved health compared to last season’s injury-plagued campaign.

That belief hinges on contributions from multiple returning stars and a pitching staff expected to rebound from inconsistency.

Kim’s injury complicates that optimism but does not necessarily eliminate it, provided Atlanta navigates the early months effectively.

Injuries are an unavoidable part of baseball, yet Atlanta’s recent history has heightened sensitivity to early setbacks.

The organization understands that momentum matters, especially in a competitive National League landscape.

Every decision surrounding Kim’s absence will be closely evaluated by fans and league observers alike.

Ultimately, the Braves must balance patience with urgency, resisting panic while ensuring competitiveness does not slip away.

Ha-Seong Kim remains a key piece of Atlanta’s long-term vision, and his return could still reshape the season’s trajectory.

For now, however, the Braves begin 2026 on uncertain footing, once again challenged to overcome adversity before it defines them.