Ha-Seong Kim Could Return In Early May

"Just over a month after signing a one-year, $20MM deal to come back to the club, Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim went down with a torn tendon in his finger. The team announced the initial recovery timeline to be four to five months. Kim is trending toward an earlier return. General manager Alex Anthopoulos told reporters, including Mark Bowman of MLB.com, that there's hope Kim could come back in early May."

"The Braves scooped up Kim off waivers from Tampa Bay late last season, with the Rays looking to duck the shortstop's $16MM player option. Atlanta wasn't able to get Kim back on the player option, but did convince him to sign for an extra $4MM as a free agent. He was set to return as the club's starting shortstop. Kim delivered solid production in his final three seasons in San Diego, including a 17-homer, 38-steal season in 2023."

"The team acted quickly after the news broke, signing utilityman Jorge Mateo the very next day. Mateo has bounced around defensively in his six-year career, but he's spent the most time at shortstop (294 appearances). The Braves acquired Mauricio Dubón in a trade with the Astros. Nick Allen, Atlanta's primary shortstop last season, went the other way in the deal. Dubón is a candidate to mix in at the position."

Ha-Seong Kim suffered a torn tendon in his finger and the team announced an initial recovery timeline of four to five months. General manager Alex Anthopoulos indicated hope for an earlier return, potentially in early May, making a 60-day injured list placement unlikely. Kim signed a one-year, $20MM deal after Atlanta claimed him off waivers from Tampa Bay; the Rays had been trying to avoid his $16MM player option. Kim posted a 17-homer, 38-steal season and a Gold Glove in 2023 but played only 24 games with Tampa Bay after shoulder surgery. Atlanta signed utilityman Jorge Mateo, acquired Mauricio Dubón, and re-acquired Brett Wisely for shortstop depth.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors