The Atlanta Braves have agreed to a $1 million, one-year contract with free agent Jorge Mateo. The move comes just one day after the team announced shortstop Ha-Seong Kim will miss four to five months following surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger. Mateo, 30, is a versatile player with experience in the outfield and infield.

Mateo joins the Braves after a difficult 2025 season with the Baltimore Orioles, where he hit just .177 with one home run in 42 games. A six-year MLB veteran, he brings defensive flexibility and speed, though his offensive production has been inconsistent. The Orioles declined a $5.5 million option on him after last season.

Kim’s extended absence creates a significant opening at shortstop for Atlanta. The Braves will need to rely on internal options or further moves to fill the gap until Kim returns, potentially impacting their infield defense and lineup construction for the early part of the 2026 season.