The Atlanta Braves chosemoney over performance when the franchise opted to keep Ha-Seong Kim rostered and part ways with Jorge Mateo. The reserve infielder quickly landed a Major League roster spot with the Tampa Bay Rays. Landing with a top American League contender was more than enough reason to question whether or not the Braves had made the right decision keeping Kim, who has been unable to hit above .100 and simply offered zero value.
Mateo answered any doubts around this during his early days with the Rays, collecting a pair of hits in six at-bats, including a homer. The shortstop has scored three runs and stolen a base, giving the Rays an exciting bench option and a level of energy that the Braves punted away in favor of keeping an offensive liability.
No question, the Braves showed their cards a bit by keeping Kim, who was a higher investment and would've looked bad on the front office as a roster cut. Both players are on expiring deals and won't be expected to factor into Atlanta's shortstop decision moving forward. However, it made more sense to keep Mateo, understanding the value he provides in a reserve role.
Tampa Bay is finding this out now, as the Braves have currently rostered two offensive liabilities in Kim and backup catcher Sean Murphy. Having two such obvious holes on your roster being incredibly highly paid is far from ideal; it would have undeniably been better if the Braves had been willing to accept the mistake and swallow the rest of Kim's salary.
Braves Continue to Pay for Decision to Part Ways with Current Tampa Bay Infielder Jorge Mateo
It doesn't help matters that Jim Jarvis has watched his offense fall off a cliff as well, while Mauricio Dubon is really needed to complete Atlanta's outfield. There is every opportunity for a player like Mateo to prove his value by creating pressure with his speed and providing an energetic presence that should still be a part of Atlanta's clubhouse.
For the Braves, there is no shortage of reasons to look back on the trade deadline with a level of regret. Mateo may not top the list with the current pitching struggles, but there is no doubt he is high on the list of decisions that haven't aged well.
Mateo at least has the opportunity to compete with a World Series contender without being a part of a National League rival or team that will directly stand in Atlanta's way. Still, there is little reason not to continue to point to the move as one that exposed the front office as choosing money spent over performance.
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