Braves sign SS Jorge Mateo after Ha-Seong Kim injury

Field Level Media
19 Jan 2026, 22:49 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images)

The Atlanta Braves signed Jorge Mateo to a one-year deal Monday, one day after announcing that fellow shortstop Ha-Seong Kim will miss a good portion of the upcoming season with a finger injury.

Terms were not disclosed but multiple outlets reported the deal with Mateo, 30, is for $1 million. The Baltimore Orioles declined Mateo's $5.5 million option for 2026 in November, making him a free agent.

Mateo batted just .177 with one homer, three RBIs and 15 stolen bases in 42 games last season with the Orioles.

He is a career .221 hitter with 30 homers, 121 RBIs and 106 steals in 487 games with the San Diego Padres (2020-21) and Orioles (2021-25). Mateo led the American League with 35 stolen bases in 2022. 294 of his career appearances have been at shortstop but he's also logged time in the outfield (50 games) and second base (85).

Kim, 30, will be sidelined for at least four months following surgery to repair a torn tendon in the middle finger of his right hand.

He was injured when he slipped and fell on ice in his native South Korea, MLB.com reported.

Kim batted .234 with five home runs and 17 RBIs in 48 total games for the Braves and Tampa Bay Rays last season. Atlanta claimed Kim off waivers in September and signed him to a one-year, $20 million deal in December.

Over five seasons, Kim is a career .242 hitter with 52 home runs and 217 RBIs in 588 games for the Padres (2021-24), Rays and Braves.

--Field Level Media

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