Braves Face Another Early-Season Setback as Ha-Seong Kim Injury Forces Roster Rethink

The Atlanta Braves seemingly can’t escape the injury bug. For the past two seasons, major injuries to key contributors have reshaped the team’s trajectory, and the trend continues into 2026. Newly acquired shortstop Ha-Seong Kim has been ruled out for the first few months of the season due to a hand injury, removing one of Atlanta’s most important offseason additions before he ever takes the field.

Kim was expected to bring defensive stability, lineup balance, and reliability to the bottom of the order while anchoring the infield. Instead, the Braves are now forced to scramble for a temporary — or possibly longer-term — solution at one of the most important defensive positions on the field.

With that in mind, let’s examine the in-house options, along with potential trade and free-agent targets, as Atlanta looks for answers in the coming weeks. Some options are straightforward. Others would require bold moves — and tough trade-offs.

1. Mauricio Dubón (In-House)

The most obvious solution is also the most costly in terms of roster balance.

Dubón was brought in to stabilize Atlanta’s bench depth, offering defensive versatility and a reliable late-inning glove. Sliding him into the everyday lineup immediately weakens the bench and creates another hole to fill.

That said, Dubón is the safest internal option. A career .257 hitter, he offers respectable contact ability and defensive reliability, even if he doesn’t come close to replicating Kim’s overall value. If the Braves are unwilling to spend further resources at the position, Dubón is likely their Opening Day shortstop by default.

2. Luisangel Acuña (Trade – Mets)

If the Mets are willing to trade within the division, this may be the best possible solution.

Acuña would fill Atlanta’s biggest positional need while adding a young, high-upside infielder — and yes, bringing in the brother of franchise cornerstone Ronald Acuña Jr. certainly wouldn’t hurt clubhouse chemistry or fan excitement.

From New York’s perspective, the recent signing of Bo Bichette has created a logjam in the infield. The question becomes whether the 23-year-old Acuña is viewed as expendable — and whether the Mets would consider moving him to a division rival. It’s a difficult deal, but one the Braves should be aggressively exploring.

3. Tim Anderson (Free Agent)

If Atlanta decides to bargain-shop, Tim Anderson is an intriguing low-risk option.

The former White Sox star has struggled mightily over the past three seasons, barely clearing the Mendoza Line in each of the last two and seeing his power evaporate. However, it wasn’t long ago that Anderson was one of the league’s most consistent hitters, batting .300 or better from 2019–2022.

At this stage, Anderson could likely be signed for minimal cost. If he shows anything in spring training, the Braves may uncover a short-term stopgap with real upside. If not, the financial commitment would be minimal.

4. Jurickson Profar (Free Agent, Position Switch)

This is an unconventional option — and one that comes with defensive risk.

Profar hasn’t played shortstop since 2016, and expecting him to handle the position competently would be optimistic at best. Still, Atlanta recently signed Mike Yastrzemski, giving them flexibility in the outfield and the ability to experiment.

Even if Profar doesn’t stick defensively, his bat could marginally improve the lineup during Kim’s absence. At the very least, it’s a conversation worth having, particularly if Atlanta is prioritizing offense over defense early in the season.

5. CJ Abrams (Trade – Nationals)

Another division rival, and arguably the most impactful option on this list.

Abrams would be an ideal fit in Atlanta’s infield, offering athleticism, speed, and offensive upside. The downside? He’s talented enough that he could complicate Kim’s return once healthy.

Still, if the Nationals are open to moving him — especially as they continue reshaping their roster — the Braves would be negligent not to explore the possibility. The price would be high, but the payoff could be significant.

6. Brendan Donovan (Trade – Cardinals)

With the Cardinals entering a reset after moving Nolan Arenado earlier in the offseason, Brendan Donovan suddenly looks like a realistic trade target.

Donovan doesn’t necessarily fit St. Louis’ new competitive timeline, and his versatility would be extremely valuable in Atlanta. He hit .287 last season and can play nearly anywhere in the infield, providing both flexibility and consistent offense.

If the Braves are serious about maintaining World Series aspirations despite Kim’s injury, Donovan is one of the most logical and attainable trade options available.

7. Nacho Álvarez (In-House, Upside Play)

Finally, there’s the gamble.

Álvarez has been given opportunities in each of the past two seasons and hasn’t seized them. However, at just 22 years old, he still possesses legitimate offensive upside based on his minor-league track record.

Atlanta could opt to give him one final audition, hoping to uncover a surprise contributor while avoiding additional payroll commitments. It’s a risky approach — but in a pinch, it might be the most financially responsible one.

Final Thoughts

The loss of Ha-Seong Kim is yet another reminder that even the deepest rosters can be undone by injuries. The Braves have options, but none are perfect.

• Dubón offers safety but weakens the bench

• Trades bring upside but cost assets

• Veteran fliers come cheap but with uncertainty

• Youth offers hope — and risk

How Atlanta responds will reveal just how aggressive the franchise plans to be in chasing another World Series run in 2026.