[SPORTALKOREA] Kim Ha-seong of the Atlanta Braves is facing intense competition for the starting shortstop role immediately upon his return from injury, according to local reports.
The 29-year-old signed a one-year, $20 million free-agent contract with Atlanta ahead of this season. However, during individual training in South Korea in January, he slipped on an icy surface and suffered a torn tendon in his right middle finger, requiring surgery. After approximately four months of recovery, he recently completed a rehab assignment in the minor leagues and is set to rejoin the big-league club on May 13, where he is expected to be deployed as the starting shortstop.
In this context, US media outlet ATL AllDay reported on May 12 (KST) that “Kim Ha-seong is returning to the lineup under much greater pressure than anticipated.” The outlet noted that the players who filled in during his absence have performed beyond expectations, altering the team’s internal competition dynamics.
Fortunately, Atlanta avoided the difficult decision of sending someone down to the minors to make room for Kim. Outfielder Eli White was placed on the 7-day injured list with a concussion after hitting his head on the outfield wall during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 11. The outlet explained, “With White and fellow outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. both sidelined, Atlanta has been forced to use Mauricio Dubón in the outfield. This has allowed Kim to have some opportunity upon his return.”
However, Kim now carries the burden of proving himself offensively. This is because Dubón and Jorge Mateo have filled the gap admirably during his absence. Dubón has started 28 of 39 games at shortstop this season, posting a .271 batting average, 2 home runs, 23 RBI, and a .741 OPS. Mateo, though in a smaller sample, has been impressive with a .309 average, 2 home runs, 6 RBI, and an .800 OPS in 26 games.
ATL AllDay stated, “Given the performances of Dubón and backup infielder Mateo, Kim cannot escape the pressure to meet expectations at the plate.” The outlet added, “If Kim struggles offensively after his return, it’s possible Atlanta will quickly change direction. Manager Walt Weiss is known for prioritizing current offensive production over large salaries or past career accomplishments, making this a realistic scenario.”
The report also highlighted that “this competition dynamic is the complete opposite of what Atlanta has seen in recent years.” In the past, the Braves relied on Orlando Arcia and Nick Allen as shortstop options, both of whom struggled offensively, barely hitting above .200. This season, however, the situation has shifted. With more versatile options in the infield, Atlanta’s choices have expanded, placing Kim in a position where he must demonstrate consistent hitting to justify his starting role.
The outlet also identified how manager Walt Weiss will utilize Kim, Mateo, and Dubón as a key storyline. Currently, Kim is expected to start at shortstop, with Dubón in left field and Mateo serving as a pinch runner or defensive replacement. However, once the injured outfielders return, Dubón may no longer be needed in the outfield. This could complicate the infield situation further, as Dubón could then return to infield duties.
In this regard, ATL AllDay emphasized, “Ultimately, Kim must clearly recognize that he will have to hit above his career average and provide steady defense to secure his starting spot.” The article continued, “Kim has a career batting average of .242, with his best season coming in 2023 with the San Diego Padres, when he hit .260 with 38 stolen bases and 60 RBI. That is exactly the version of Kim Atlanta hopes to see.” If he fails to replicate that performance, the report suggests that the debate over his playing time could intensify this season.
