Rays add ex-Orioles fan favorite after being DFA’d by Braves

The red-hot Tampa Rays are adding a new player to their fold, as the team looks to sustain their momentum and continue padding their lead in the standings.

On Wednesday, the Rays agreed to a contract with veteran utility infielder Jorge Mateo, according to baseball reporter Francys Romero.

“Sources: Jorge Mateo has agreed to a Major League deal with the Tampa Bay Rays,” Romero shared via a social media post on X (formerly Twitter).

Meanwhile, here are some of the reactions from fans to this transaction by the Rays:

“Good signing. Super quick, versatile defender and strong base runner that can play multiple infield positions and in the outfield. In the past he’s hit lefties fairly well. Not a groundbreaking signing, but one that certainly helps,” a fan said.

“Gives #Rays a more experienced RH hitting INF option with Williamson out,” a social media user on X shared.

“A good defender with elite speed oh neander you’ve done it again,” another one commented.

“Sad the Braves let him go. His arm and speed are elite,” a different fan said.

“Well, now the Rays have officially won the Ha-Seong Kim signing,” another comment read.

Mateo most previously saw action in the big leagues with the Atlanta Braves, who signed him to a one-year contract in January before releasing him last week. He appeared in 65 games for the Braves in the 2026 MLB season and hit .240/.285/.380 with four home runs and 11 RBIs along with 10 stolen bases.

Mateo, who turned 31 years old in June, also played for parts of five seasons with the Baltimore Orioles.

With the Rays, who just swept the Athletics, missing the services of Ben Williamson, who is on the injured list, Mateo could give Tampa Bay additional hitting from the right side of the plate.

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