'Finger Injury on Icy Roads' Frustrating 'Awesome Kim' Is Coming, Expected to Be Deployed in Live Games Starting the 24th → Likely Return in May

*This content was translated by AI.

The time for Kim Ha-seong (31, Atlanta Braves) is approaching. After bowing his head ahead of the season due to an inexplicable finger injury, Kim Ha-seong is finally ready to return.

Local media outlets, including U.S. outlet CBS Sports, reported on the 19th (Korean time) that Kim Ha-seong will participate in a simulation game on the 24th.

Atlanta manager Walt Weiss stated, "Kim Ha-seong has been completing batting practice and is scheduled to take part in a simulation game on the 24th where he will bat as if in a real game. If there are no issues even in the simulation game, he will soon be sent to minor league rehabilitation games," he explained.

Kim Ha-seong's time, which had been twisted and tangled, is finally beginning to turn in the right direction. He had a stellar season in 2023 with 17 home runs and 38 stolen bases, becoming the first Asian player to win an infield Gold Glove (utility category). He was set to become a free agent (FA) upon the conclusion of the 2024 season.

However, he suffered a shoulder injury during a game in the summer of 2024 and ultimately ended up on the operating table. After dedicating himself to rehabilitation, Kim Ha-seong entered the FA market but, due to the aftermath of his injury, had to settle for a two-year, $29 million (approximately 42.7 billion won) contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.

The contract included an opt-out clause, and Kim Ha-seong was determined to undergo market evaluation once again. However, he did not return until July, and amidst a disappointing performance, he was traded to Atlanta midway through the season.

Fortunately, after joining Atlanta, he showed signs of recovery. Following the end of the season, when he became a free agent again, Atlanta extended an offer. The deal was for one year and $20 million (approximately 29.4 billion won). Once again, his plan was to spend a good year and enter the FA market for a third time.

But he was once again held back by injury. In January, while staying in Korea, he slipped on an icy road, rupturing the tendon in his right middle finger and requiring surgery. Although he was scheduled to participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March to showcase his abilities, all plans were derailed. Like last year, he was unable to start from opening day, reducing the time available for evaluation.

Fortunately, while his initial return was expected to take four to five months, there is now a possibility that this timeline will be shortened.

Currently, Atlanta is leading the National League East division with a record of 14 wins and 7 losses. The shortstop position is currently shared by Mauricio Dubon and Jorge Mateo. Dubon is batting .299 with an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.796, while Mateo is batting .368 with an OPS of 0.979, both performing as power hitters.

Even if he moves to second base, Ozzie Albies is performing steadily with a batting average of .282 and an OPS of 0.799. For Atlanta, there is no immediate urgency to utilize Kim Ha-seong. The urgency lies with Kim Ha-seong himself. To undergo market evaluation again, he must play as many games as possible and prove his worth with statistics.

Ultimately, Kim Ha-seong appears to have to rely on his greatest strength: versatility. He possesses defensive skills capable of handling all infield positions at a high level, along with his speed. Currently, the only resource actively playing for Atlanta is Ronald Acuña Jr. Since he can also be flexibly utilized defensively depending on the situation, his range of application is expected to broaden. If he recovers his health, there is nothing to worry about for Kim Ha-seong.

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*This content was translated by AI.