The Orioles were able to wrap up the majority of their arbitration cases before the filing deadline on January 15. The lone holdout was infielder Jorge Mateo, as he and the O’s were unable to come to terms on a deal for 2025 and looked headed for a battle in arbitration.

That problem has now been solved, as the two sides have come together on a deal that should keep Mateo happy for at least the coming season.

Mateo will be guaranteed $3.55 million in 2025.

According to Jon Heyman of the NY Post, the deal includes a club option for 2026, reportedly valued at $5.5 million, with escalators based on plate appearances that could bring the option total up to $6 million.

2025 was supposed to be Mateo’s final year of arbitration, as he was slated to reach free agency after this year. That could obviously change now, assuming the Orioles elect to pick up the option on his contract.

The Orioles have avoided arbitration with Jorge Mateo, coming to terms on a one year deal with $3.55 million guaranteed

Mateo will enter this year as a major X factor for the Orioles.

He was quite valuable back in 2022, when he knocked a career-high 13 homers in 150 games played, pitching in 35 steals and great defense.

He was much less effective in 2023 but was on pace for a strong year in 2024 before going down with an elbow injury that cost him the entire second half of the season.

The O’s really need the best version of Mateo if they want to be successful in 2025.That doesn’t mean Mateo won’t be fighting for playing time, however.

As it stands, the Orioles’ lineup is already a bit crowded. Assuming Jackson Holliday plays up to his potential, there won’t be a ton of opportunity for Mateo to get into the lineup on a regular basis.

And with the Orioles looking like they’ll head into 2025 with 5 outfielders again, Mateo is seemingly further sliding down the pecking order.

All that said, Mateo has still provided solid defense during his time in Baltimore. Plus, he’s another much-needed right handed bat that can spell either of Holliday or Gunnar Henderson when necessary.

His ability to handle outfield duties help make him a valuable asset as a utility guy.

Barring injury or additional roster moves that create lineup space, Mateo likely won’t reach that 150 games played mark this coming year.

But he still has the ability to work in a utility role, in particular against left handed pitching, and give the O’s some much needed lineup depth.

If he’s good enough that the Orioles want to pick up his 2026 contract option, it’ll be a massive win for this team.