ATLANTA.– One day after confirming that starting shortstop Ha-Seong Kim will be out of action until mid-May —and possibly until June—, the Atlanta Braves announced the signing of Dominican infielder Jorge Mateo for one season, as a depth move for the infield.
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Mateo, 30 years old, reached free agency after a discreet 2025 campaign with the Baltimore Orioles, in which he batted for .177, with a home run and OPS of .483 in 42 games. Since his debut in the Major Leagues in 2020 with the San Diego Padres, the versatile player has an OPS of .629 in 1,411 plate appearances. Although he has seen action in all outfield positions and has had experience at second base, Mateo has been used primarily as a shortstop, a position in which he will serve as backup to the Honduran Mauricio Dubón, who will assume the main role while Kim recovers. The Braves’ manager will have additional options for speed on the bases, as Mateo has been one of the most efficient runners in the league in recent years. Since 2022, the Dominican has been successful in 84.1% of his stolen base attempts (95 stolen bases in 113 opportunities), including a season of 35 stolen bases with Baltimore. Kim, who signed a one-year and US$20 million contract in December, suffered a fall in South Korea that caused a tendon rupture in the middle finger of his right hand, an injury that required surgery and an estimated four to five months of recovery. Mateo’s arrival will also allow Atlanta to maximize Dubón’s defensive versatility, who will be able to move to other positions in strategic situations during the games, while the Dominican covers the shortstop position. With this move, the Braves reinforce their defensive depth and speed on the roster, while awaiting Kim’s return during the regular season.
