Ha-Seong Kim is back in the lineup for the Atlanta Braves, and it couldn't come at a better time. The National League East leaders already boast one of the most potent offenses in baseball, and now they're adding even more firepower as they prepare to face a red-hot Chicago Cubs squad.
Let's talk numbers, because this Braves lineup is absolutely crushing it. Atlanta ranks third in MLB in barrel percentage and batted ball events—basically, they're hitting the ball hard and often. That combination is a recipe for success, and the results speak for themselves. The Braves are second only to the Yankees in home runs, fourth in doubles, and lead the league in slugging percentage. It's no surprise they're also first in both OPS and runs scored.
In fact, this team is on pace to cross the 900-run mark for the season. That would be their highest total since 2023 and the third-most in franchise history since 1897. The only other season that stands out? 2003, when they scored 907 runs. This offense is historic.
And it's about to get even better. With Kim making his season debut tonight and Ronald Acuña Jr. expected back soon, the Braves are adding elite talent to an already deep roster. The big question was how Kim's return would shake up the lineup. Mike Yastrzemski has struggled recently, but he has a strong track record against Cubs starter Colin Rea—two home runs and a 1.625 OPS in their matchups. Mauricio Dubón has been clutch all season and needs to stay in the mix, likely in left field. The best pregame guess had Kim at shortstop, Dubón in left, and Yastrzemski in right.
As it turned out, manager Brian Snitker went with the most logical alignment. Kim slots in at short, Dubón gets the start in left, and Yastrzemski holds down right field. With Sean Murphy on the injured list, it also made sense to have Smith at designated hitter. And Ozzie Albies? He's been turning things around in a big way. Snitker's confidence to bat him second against a right-handed pitcher says everything about his recent form.
These are the kind of problems every team wishes they had. The Braves haven't been this deep in years, and it's making lineup guessing games a whole lot of fun. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just love great baseball, this is a team worth watching—and maybe even wearing.