Jorge Mateo has career year as Braves consider shortstop options
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 4, 2026, 1:00 PM
Last updated Jul 4, 2026
Jorge Mateo is enjoying a standout season with the Atlanta Braves, currently achieving career highs in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage as of July 3, 2026. His impressive performance includes significant improvements against fastballs, evidenced by a.422 xwOBA on four-seamers and a reduced whiff rate. Initially, Ha-Seong Kim was expected to start at shortstop, but Mateo’s form and Kim’s health concerns have shifted the dynamics. The Braves may need to adjust their outfield positioning, particularly with Ronald Acuña Jr.'s potential return affecting Mauricio Dubon’s role. Staying the course with Mateo at shortstop appears to be their best option at this juncture.
- •Mateo is at career highs in multiple offensive categories.
- •The Braves face decisions regarding outfield positions.
- •Acuña Jr.'s return could alter Mateo's role.
- •Ha-Seong Kim's health is uncertain, affecting the shortstop situation.
- 1:00 PMYahoo Sports — Are the Braves all set with Jorge Mateo at shortstop?
"Don’t look now, but Jorge Mateo is having a career year. He is working on career highs in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging. And it’s not luck driven, as his xwOBA, xwOBAcon, xBA, and xSLG are at career highs as well. Your browser does not support the video tag. Jorge is crushing the fastball […]
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