Atlanta Braves Optimistic as Ha-Seong Kim Recovery Progresses Faster Than Expected

The Atlanta Braves are finally receiving encouraging news on the injury front, and it centers around one of their most important infield pieces. Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is recovering well from offseason surgery, and team officials now believe his return could arrive sooner than originally projected.

After a winter filled with injury concerns and roster adjustments, Atlanta is starting to see light at the end of the tunnel — and Kim’s progress is a major reason why.

Braves See Early Progress in Kim’s Recovery Timeline

According to general manager Alex Anthopoulos, Kim’s rehabilitation is moving in a positive direction. The Braves initially expected their starting shortstop to miss a significant portion of the early season, with a projected return sometime between mid-May and June.

Now, there is growing optimism that Kim could be back in the lineup as early as early May, a notable improvement from earlier timelines.

Anthopoulos expressed confidence in Kim’s recovery and emphasized how valuable his presence is to the team’s overall strength.

“Obviously, we like Kim, and we’re even stronger with him,” Anthopoulos said. “So it will be a big boost when he gets back.”

The update offers a welcome shift for a Braves roster that has been dealing with multiple injuries across key positions heading into the new season.

Details Behind the Injury and Surgery

Kim is currently recovering from surgery to repair a tendon in his right middle finger. The injury occurred in January while he was home in South Korea. Initially, the issue appeared manageable, but complications arose when doctors noticed problems with finger flexibility.

While Kim retained the ability to grip a bat, attempts to fully flex his finger revealed the extent of the damage, ultimately requiring a surgical procedure. The operation aimed to ensure long-term stability and prevent recurring issues that could impact his performance throughout the season.

Fortunately for Atlanta, early rehab results have been promising. The medical staff believes Kim’s healing process is progressing smoothly, giving the team confidence in the revised return timetable.

Contract Year Adds Extra Motivation

Kim rejoined the Braves in December on a one-year, $20 million contract, making the 2026 season another crucial chapter in his career. With free agency looming once again, the veteran infielder has plenty of incentive to return strong and deliver a full, productive campaign.

Anthopoulos noted that Kim is highly motivated to bounce back and prove the injury will not hinder his performance.

“It’s not something he wanted either, and he’s looking to have a great year and a bounce-back season,” Anthopoulos explained. “I still think he’s going to have a ton of at-bats and a ton of playing time for us.”

Even with the early-season setback, the Braves believe Kim will still log significant playing time once he returns.

Why Atlanta Wanted Kim Back

The mutual interest between Kim and the Braves during the offseason made his return to Atlanta a priority for both sides. During his brief stint with the team last year, Kim impressed with his defensive consistency and clubhouse presence.

His agent, Scott Boras, highlighted the strong relationship between Kim and Atlanta’s coaching staff, particularly infield coach Walt Weiss.

“Walt Weiss is a really good infield coach,” Boras said during the Winter Meetings. “Anybody who enjoys defense would enjoy working with Walt.”

Kim’s defensive reliability and versatility were key factors in Atlanta’s decision to bring him back, especially as they aim to maintain stability across the infield.

Kim’s Performance With Atlanta Last Season

Although Kim appeared in just 24 games for the Braves last season, his production showed flashes of strong potential. He finished with a .253 batting average, a .684 OPS, three home runs, and 12 RBIs.

Those numbers, however, do not fully reflect how well he performed for much of his stint. Prior to a quiet final series, Kim was hitting .289 with a .770 OPS — a stretch that demonstrated his offensive value alongside his elite defense.

The Braves believe that with a healthy season, Kim can deliver far more consistent production and become a key contributor in both the lineup and the field.

Braves Depth Moves to Cover Early Absence

While waiting for Kim’s return, Atlanta has taken steps to reinforce its roster depth. Veteran infielder Jorge Mateo was added to support Mauricio Dubon, who is expected to open the season as the starting shortstop.

The team also signed utility player Kyle Farmer to a minor league deal, providing additional flexibility across the infield.

Behind the plate, reinforcements were necessary as well. Catcher Sean Murphy is recovering from hip surgery and is also projected to return around May. To stabilize the position early in the season, the Braves brought in Jonah Heim, who is expected to handle backup duties until Murphy is fully healthy.

Potential Boost for Atlanta in May

If recovery timelines hold, the Braves could receive a significant midseason boost with both Kim and Murphy returning around the same time. Their presence would strengthen the defense up the middle and add experience to the lineup just as the season begins to intensify.

Additionally, pitcher Grant Holmes is expected to be ready for Opening Day and has already been confirmed as part of the starting rotation, offering further stability for the roster.

Looking Ahead

For now, the Braves remain cautiously optimistic. Kim’s recovery is progressing ahead of schedule, and the team is confident he will play a meaningful role once he returns. While early-season depth will be tested, Atlanta believes it has the pieces necessary to stay competitive until its roster is fully healthy.

If Kim continues on his current trajectory, his early May return could provide a timely spark for a Braves team with postseason ambitions — and a player eager to prove he can deliver in a contract year.