The Baltimore Orioles have once again surged into the postseason, marking two consecutive years of playoff appearances. Yet, despite this progress, they’ve faltered early, failing to clear the first round on both occasions.
At the heart of their resurgence are standout talents like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, now recognized names in Major League Baseball.
However, the Orioles, like many teams, rely on various role players to fill gaps in their lineup.
Jorge Mateo, a versatile player and fan favorite, has been crucial to this effort. Mateo, 29, showcased his flexibility this year, taking on second base, shortstop, and center field, although he spent most of his time at second.
Over the course of the season, Mateo posted a .229/.267/.401 slash line, added five homers, 18 RBIs, and sported a 93 OPS+ across 208 plate appearances in 68 games.
Notably, when manning second base, he hit a respectable .243/.284/.414, contributed four home runs, 15 RBIs, and achieved a 102 OPS+, marking his strongest offensive showing among the positions he played.
Yet, what Mateo brings to the plate at second base isn’t quite mirrored in his defensive contributions. According to Baseball Savant, he recorded -1 Outs Above Average (OAA) at second, contrasting with a positive OAA at shortstop and an even rating in center field.
This places him 23rd among second basemen by OAA, with only a few below him.
As the Orioles gaze into the future, Mateo highlights a recurring challenge. If prospect Jackson Holliday struggles to find his rhythm in the majors and Baltimore doesn’t bolster their lineup through free agency, the current roster of role players might not suffice against formidable competition.
Moreover, the team’s pitching depth isn’t enough to offset offensive shortcomings.
While Mateo shouldn’t be entirely sidelined, his impact could be maximized as a versatile bench player, primarily focusing on positions where his defensive prowess is more pronounced.
This strategic shift could help the Orioles reinforce their lineup and pave the way for deeper postseason runs.
