Former Orioles utility man joins Braves after surprise injury shakes roster

There should be an uptick in free-agent signings during the weeks ahead as teams look to shift the focus from the offseason to spring training. The Atlanta Braves were facing a crisis after shortstop Ha-Seong Kim suffered a freak accident that resulted in hand surgery. Kim is expected to miss several months, and Atlanta quickly turned to a former Baltimore Orioles infielder to address their sudden need.

The Braves announced that they have signed former Orioles utility man Jorge Mateo to a one-year deal.

Jorge Mateo lands surprise Braves role after crushing injury news

Over the last several seasons, Mateo was an invaluable piece to the Orioles' roster. The 30-year-old veteran proved capable of playing all over the infield as well as the outfield, but the 2025 season was one to forget.

Injuries limited Mateo to only 43 games, slashing .177/.217/.266 with a wRC+ of 33 in 83 plate appearances. Between the injuries and offensive struggles, it led to an easy call for Baltimore to decline the $5.5 million club option Mateo had for the 2026 season.

Mateo's strikeout rate skyrocketed to 36.1% last season. Throughout his career, Mateo struck out just over 26% of the time. 2022 should be viewed as Mateo's best season in Baltimore. He hit 13 home runs in 533 plate appearances with a wRC+ of 83.

Mateo's offense was never going to be his calling card, but his ability to play multiple positions is what kept him around in Baltimore for the last four seasons. With Kim sidelined for the next 4-5 months, the expectation is that Mauricio Dubón will take over at shortstop. Mateo will likely serve in a similar utility role that he had with the Orioles.

The expectation should be for Jeremiah Jackson to take over Mateo's role on the Orioles bench. Jackson impressed in Mateo's place in 2025, posting a 117 wRC+ with 5 home runs in 183 plate appearances. Even looking beyond the forgetful 2025 season that Mateo had, Jackson's ascension likely would have led to role redundancy next season.

The rest of the Orioles bench is just about figured out with Tyler O'Neill, Ryan Mountcastle, and Leody Taveras rounding out the group. Outside of the Orioles looking for a frontline starting pitcher, they are probably done making moves on the position-player side of their roster.