The Atlanta Braves were coming off a season heavily impacted by injuries, ultimately missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Their optimism for a healthier start to the new season was short-lived. Shortly after signing Ha-Seong Kim to a one-year contract, the infielder suffered an injury that is expected to sideline him for the next four to five months.
Kim slipped and fell on ice in his native Korea and tore a tendon in his right middle finger. He had successful surgery, but it certainly puts Atlanta back a bit.
Braves-Cubs trade pitch sees Atlanta land Nico Hoerner for big-name reliever
Atlanta does have Mauricio Dubón, who could step in at shortstop, but he should likely be a last-resort option. The Braves should be exploring a true replacement, and with limited options on the free-agent market, a trade could be their best path.
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller suggested that Atlanta could trade Robert Suárez to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Nico Hoerner.
“Before Chicago signed Dansby Swanson, Hoerner served as their primary shortstop — and a very capable one at that. With Ha-Seong Kim sidelined indefinitely due to a torn tendon in his right middle finger, perhaps Hoerner could fill that gap for the Braves. Interestingly, Atlanta has two strong closers, while Chicago’s biggest question mark may be the absence of an established closer,” Miller wrote.
Chicago could definitely use a reliable late-inning arm, especially with questions surrounding Daniel Palencia. The trade would be a straightforward swap that could be mutually beneficial for both clubs.
While Atlanta would prefer to keep Suárez, it might make more sense for the team to move him and acquire a player they trust to anchor the defense up the middle.
