Former New York Yankees prospect breaking out for the Baltimore Orioles
Beginning his career in the Yankees organization in 2012, Jorge Mateo was traded to the Oakland Athletics. After a few years in Oakland, he was shipped to the San Diego Padres where he would make his MLB debut in 2020.
Being designated for assignment by the Padres in 2021, Mateo was claimed on waivers by the Baltimore Orioles.
With a new opportunity to earn big league playing time, Mateo has found himself as the Opening Day starter at shortstop for the Orioles in each of the past two seasons.
In 2022 Mateo rewarded the Orioles by leading the American League with 35 stolen bases while adding a Fielding Bible Award for his defense at shortstop, becoming the first Oriole to ever win the award.
He has come out of the gates hot in 2023, slashing .362/.418/1.056 with three home runs, 12 RBIs and eight stolen bases Mateo is on pace to shatter his career highs in virtually every category.
Once ranked as a better prospect than Aaron Judge, the Orioles couldn't have expected this type of production from the 27-year-old shortstop.
His defense has still been top-notch as well, showing off his range thanks to the elite speed and acceleration he possesses. Mateo is looking to earn his first Gold Glove Award in his young career.
The shortstop is also comfortable in the outfield, getting reps at centerfield during spring training this year. Although Mateo hasn't played the position in a live game since 2021, it's more of a way to add positional flexibility to the lineup.
In a recent interview with MLB.com's Jake Rill Mateo was excited about the opportunity to play in the outfield stating "It's easy to go in there and play, It felt great. That's another opportunity I have to be in the field, and I love it."
While he left the Orioles' most recent game on Wednesday evening with hip discomfort the hope is that he will only miss a short period of time and the team considers him day-to-day.
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