Sooner or later after the Atlanta Braves received news that their shortstop for 2026, Ha-Seong Kim, suffered a hand harm, they discovered their stopgap at shortstop till his return. Atlanta introduced it signed veteran utility man Jorge Mateo to a one-year deal.
Mateo, 30, has spent the final 5 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, and although he has turned in an total underwhelming profession within the large leagues, he has nonetheless been a productive participant. In six seasons, Mateo has a profession batting common of .221 and an OPS of .629, however he is considered one of MLB’s higher base-stealers, stealing 106 profession luggage and main the American League in steals in 2022 (35).
Jorge Mateo provides worth to Braves roster regardless of offensive struggles
Although he hasn’t carried out effectively on the plate, the Braves didn’t signal Mateo for his bat however for his glove and base-running expertise. Mateo has performed all around the diamond however predominantly up the center of the sector as a shortstop/second baseman and centerfielder.
In 5 seasons as a shortstop, Mateo has supplied a defensive runs saved of seven whereas including above-average protection in heart (six) and at second (two). As soon as Kim returns (presumably in June), Mateo may wind up discovering himself on the incorrect facet of being DFA’d or present useful depth as a possible platoon bat for Michael Harris II, who had a down 12 months in 2025 — .249 common with a .678 OPS, each profession lows.
