With Gunnar Henderson now the everyday shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles, Jorge Mateo has taken on a new role as the club’s super-utility man. Not long ago, Orioles fans were outraged that Mateo made the Opening Day roster over younger prospects. Now, it’s hard to picture the 28-year-old shortstop turned super-utility man being anywhere else. A natural shortstop, the Orioles plan for Mateo was to get him comfortable in the outfield and at second base. Going into spring training, Mateo has moved around the diamond since making his big-league debut in 2020.
He has 39 career appearances in the outfield, 48 at second and nine at third. But now, the utility man is settling in as the Orioles everyday second baseman.
Jorge Mateo Continues to Flash His Versatility
“He just adds so much versatility to us because he can play so many other positions, and he is so athletic,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “We just kind of want to keep our options open with him.”
Jorge Mateo has tested the patience of Orioles fans over the years with his inconsistent offense. He had a strong first month last season batting .347/.395/.667 through 23 games going into May. But he was less effective the rest of the way, hitting six of his seven homers before May 1st. Despite Mateo’s limited offensive contributions in Baltimore – batting .228/.276/.376 over the past four seasons – his value lies in his defensive skills and baserunning abilities. Mateo led the American League with 35 stolen bases in 2022, and he ranks 14th in franchise history with 79 career stolen bases as an Oriole.
Orioles SB leaders
1. Anderson – 307
2. Roberts – 278
3. Bumbry – 252
4. Blair – 167
T5. Belanger – 166
T5. Aparicio – 166
7. Baylor – 118
8. Patterson – 103
9. MULLINS – 100
10. Hairston – 94
11. Jones – 90
12. Buford – 85
13. Mora – 82
14. MATEO – 79
15. Grich – 77— Orioles Statistics (@OriolesStatist1) May 20, 2024
Mateo is Thriving in His New Role
Although speed and athleticism can only carry a team so far, the Orioles are benefiting significantly from Mateo’s early-season contributions. Nearly two months into the season, the Orioles utilityman has drawn starts at second base, centerfield, and shortstop. He recorded hits in seven of his last eight games entering Monday’s series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals, going 8-for-28. Mateo has thrown runners out from the outfield and made plays that most second basemen without his speed and athleticism couldn’t make.
Jorge Mateo has been playing at an unreal level lately ?? pic.twitter.com/GvK02yhY8z
— ?am Brice (@kambrice1tv) May 19, 2024
Jackson Holliday, who was optioned back to Triple-A Norfolk shortly after his big-league debut, will eventually become Baltimore’s everyday second baseman. But the versatile super-utility man has a role with the Baltimore Orioles. Whether turning double plays, making acrobatic catches, or swiping bases, he has become an integral part of the Orioles lineup.
Main Photo: © Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports
