The wait is finally over for Atlanta Braves fans—Ha-Seong Kim is ready to make his season debut. The Braves activated the 30-year-old shortstop from the injured list on Monday, a move that also saw outfielder Eli White placed on the seven-day concussion injured list.

Kim's journey back to the diamond has been a long one. He underwent surgery for a torn tendon in his right middle finger back in January, just about a month after signing a one-year, $20 million contract with the Braves. That deal came on the heels of a late-season acquisition from the Tampa Bay Rays last September, when Atlanta snagged him off waivers.

In his limited time with the Braves last season, Kim showed flashes of his potential, batting .253 with a .316 on-base percentage, three home runs, and 12 RBIs over 24 games. Before that, he spent 24 games with the Rays, hitting .214 with a .290 on-base percentage, two homers, five RBIs, and six stolen bases. While those numbers may not jump off the page, Kim's value goes beyond the stat sheet.

A versatile defender, Kim can handle second base and third base in addition to shortstop. His glove is his calling card—he won a Gold Glove at the utility position while playing for the San Diego Padres in 2023. For a Braves team looking to solidify its infield depth, Kim's return couldn't come at a better time. Whether he's in the lineup or coming off the bench, his defensive prowess and experience add a new layer of stability to Atlanta's roster.