Braves Move Quickly to Sign Jorge Mateo After Kim Injury
The Atlanta Braves made an important roster move on Monday, January 19, 2026. They officially signed free-agent player Jorge Mateo to a one-year contract worth $1 million. The team announced this deal from their headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
Injury Forces Braves to Act
This signing comes at a critical moment for the Braves. Just one day earlier, on Sunday, January 18, the team confirmed that starting shortstop Ha-Seong Kim will miss several months. Kim underwent surgery to repair a torn tendon in the middle finger of his right hand.
Doctors expect Kim to be out for four to five months. This means he will likely miss most of the first half of the upcoming season. With spring training approaching, the Braves needed to fill this major gap in their infield quickly.
Mateo Brings Versatility and Experience
Jorge Mateo, who turns 31 this season, provides exactly what Atlanta needs right now. He brings six seasons of Major League Baseball experience to the team. Mateo has played for both the San Diego Padres and the Baltimore Orioles during his career.
The Braves value his defensive flexibility above all. Mateo can cover multiple positions including shortstop, second base, and the outfield. This allows Atlanta's manager to move him around the field based on daily needs.
Beyond his defensive skills, Mateo brings speed and baserunning ability that the Braves have traditionally prized. His career statistics include a .221 batting average with 30 home runs and 121 RBIs across his time with both the Padres and Orioles.
Recent Performance and Recovery
Mateo's 2025 season with Baltimore was limited by injury. He appeared in just 42 games and recorded 83 plate appearances. During this time, he hit .177 with one home run and three runs batted in.
His season was interrupted between June 6 and September 5 due to left elbow inflammation. This kept him off the field for nearly three months. Despite these recent struggles, the Braves see value in his overall skill set.
A Strategic, Low-Risk Move
The one-year, $1 million agreement represents a smart, low-risk move for Atlanta. The Braves did not release details about contract bonuses, but the basic terms are confirmed.
This signing allows the team to maintain flexibility while waiting for Ha-Seong Kim's return later in the season. If Mateo finds his stride, he could become a consistent fill-in during Kim's recovery. If not, the short-term nature of the deal lets Atlanta continue exploring other options.
Looking Ahead to Spring Training
With spring training just around the corner, the Braves can now focus on reshaping their infield. Jorge Mateo arrives not as a star replacement for Kim, but as a necessary piece of depth during a challenging period.
His versatility gives Atlanta multiple options as they prepare for the upcoming season. The Braves have demonstrated their ability to act decisively when faced with unexpected roster challenges.
