The Atlanta Braves were dealt some incredibly unfortunate news when shortstop Ha-Seong Kim was reported to have suffered a torn tendon in his right middle finger, which will keep him out for the next 4-5 months.
With Spring training right around the corner, and the Braves with a big hole on the roster, they needed to bring in a new face to bolster the depth in the infield.
According to Francys Romero of Beisbolfr.com, the Braves are doing just that. The Braves are signing a replacement for Kim amid his freak ice accident in former Baltimore Orioles infielder Jorge Mateo.
Braves sign former Orioles infielder to replace Kim after ice-related injury
"Dominican utility player Jorge Mateo reached an MLB deal with the Atlanta Braves, per sources," Romero reported.
This addition from the Braves will give them some extra depth in their infield as Kim recovers from surgery.
Mateo is a 30-year-old infielder who's spent the majority of his career with the Orioles. While he's not been the best as of late, he's shown some promise before in his career.
Back in 2022, Mateo had 3.7 bWAT over 150 games with the Orioles. His 109 hits, 25 doubles, seven triples, 13 home runs, and MLB-leading 35 stolen bases, combined with a.221 batting average and.646 OPS, were some of the best numbers of his career.
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Even though he didn't have the best offensive season, his incredible defense and base-running made him a valuable player. But this past season, it wasn't nearly as good for Mateo.
In 42 games, Mateo had a.177 batting average with a.483 OPS for one of the worst seasons of his MLB career. Only his 22-game 2020 season was worse.
Mateo isn't an expensive option and will strictly be depth behind likely starter Mauricio Dubon. But, with Kim's injury, the Braves needed someone in the infield, and the veteran Orioles infielder isn't the worst option.
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