The Atlanta Braves roster will regain a key player for a huge series against the Chicago Cubs beginning on Tuesday, May 12.
Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim was activated from the injured list, the team announced. Kim is taking the roster spot of outfielder Eli White, who heads to the IL due to a concussion.
Atlanta re-signed Kim to a one-year, $20 million contract this offseason. A right middle finger laceration sidelined the 30-year-old for the first six weeks of the year. Kim spent 24 games with Atlanta in 2025. He slashed .253/.316/.368 in 98 plate appearances. The Braves’ roster has leaned on Mauricio Dubon and Jorge Mateo to fill the void at shortstop.
Atlanta Braves Roster News: Ha-Seong Kim Back From Injured List, Eli White Out With Concussion
Kim came over to the Braves via waiver claim from the Tampa Bay Rays. His former club was wary of a pending $16 million player option. Kim declined the opportunity to remain with the Braves for $16 million and hit the open market. Atlanta ultimately forked over an additional $4 million to get him back on the roster.
The San Diego Padres signed Kim in 2021 after seven seasons in the Korea Baseball Organization. He was an elite power/speed threat during his time in the KBO. Kim provided league-average production with the Padres. His best season was 2023, when he popped 17 home runs and stole 38 bases. The Rays surprisingly handed Kim a two-year, $29 million deal heading into the 2025 campaign. He hit just .214 with two homers and six steals in Tampa Bay.
Defense has been Kim’s calling card as a big leaguer. He’s excelled at second base, third base, and shortstop in the major leagues. Kim earned a Gold Glove award for his strong performance at the keystone in 2023. The veteran has racked up 15 Defensive Runs Saved at second base, 22 DRS at shortstop, and 8 DRS at third base in his career.
Kim slipped slightly on defense in his age-29 season. The infielder posted -3 DRS in 361 innings at shortstop between the Rays and Braves last year. He didn’t record any errors, but showed a drop-off in ability at the position.
What Does Kim’s Return Mean For Dubon, Mateo?
Atlanta scrambled to sign Dubon after the Kim injury. The utilityman landed a one-year, $6.1 million deal from the club. Dubon is known for his defensive versatility, not his bat, but he’s off to a tremendous start at the plate. The 31-year-old has provided a career-best 110 wRC+ across 157 plate appearances as Atlanta’s primary shortstop. He’s scored 18 runs and driven in 23. Dubon’s performance is likely fueled by a .319 batting average on balls in play, though Atlanta may have been able to unlock additional upside from the former top prospect.
The Braves added Mateo in January. Similar to Dubon, he’s a glove-first player who can handle multiple defensive positions. And also like Dubon, Mateo is off to his best start ever on offense. The 30-year-old is slashing a robust .309/.345/.455 in 26 games. He’s striking out at a massive 32.8% clip, but he’s delivered two home runs and six steals as a semi-regular member of Atlanta’s lineup.
Braves Announce Return of $20 Million Infielder For Crucial Cubs Series