Kim Ha-seong, the veteran infielder embarking on his third free agency cycle, has finally made his 2026 season debut. Starting at shortstop and batting eighth, he returns to the Atlanta Braves lineup for their home opener against the Chicago Cubs at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia on April 13 (KST).
The Braves announced the starting lineup ahead of the game, marking Kim’s first start of the regular season. The 31-year-old suffered a broken finger after slipping on ice while staying in South Korea over the offseason, forcing him to miss the 2026 World Baseball Classic and the entire spring training. However, his injury was not severe, and his rehabilitation progressed smoothly, allowing him to return to the majors after a brief minor league rehab stint.
Kim originally entered Major League Baseball in 2021 with the San Diego Padres, where he became the first Asian infielder to win a Gold Glove Award (Utility category). Despite his defensive excellence, his pursuit of a multi-year contract has been repeatedly hampered by injuries since leaving the Padres. This season marks his third consecutive attempt to secure a long-term deal as a free agent.
While his start to the season came later than most, all eyes are on whether Kim can overcome his injury setbacks and deliver a strong performance against the Cubs to kick off his FA campaign on the right foot.
