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Athletics: Jorge Mateo’s future

By Justin Hickey

PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 22: Infielder Jorge Mateo #37 of the Oakland Athletics in action during the MLB spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Stadium on February 22, 2019 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 22: Infielder Jorge Mateo #37 of the Oakland Athletics in action during the MLB spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Stadium on February 22, 2019 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Jorge Mateo has a lot of potential. Will he put it all together for the Oakland Athletics?

Jorge Mateo was acquired by the Oakland Athletics in a deal that sent Sonny Gray to the Yankees. Along with James Kaprielian and Dustin Fowler the Athletics seemed to get a good haul for their former ace. But, besides Fowler none of them have been able to crack Oakland’s roster.

Kaprielian has battled injuries, and Mateo has struggled with an up-and-down minor-league stint. Mateo is now out of options and it’s now or never for him in Oakland. Can he grab a spot on the roster or will he be candidate for a trade?

Logic says he will not be DFA’d, he won’t make it through waivers, he has way too much talent. If the A’s don’t see him in their future, they will almost certainly be able to trade him. There is a team out there that will covet his speed and his tools he has.

He once stole 82 bases in a minor league season back in 2015. That alone will garner attention, as in this league you’re always looking to swipe an extra base. He also continues to bump his power up as he hit 19 home runs and had 14 triples in AAA ball last season.

Looking at Mateo‘a future in Oakland, it looks like the second base position is wide open. He will be in play to grab it along with Franklin Barreto and Sheldon Neuse. Versatility will play a factor too, as Mateo can become a Chad Pinder like guy that can play a multitude of positions.

Mateo also holds a leg up with Barreto, as both of them are out of options now. But if Neuse impresses, the Athletics and Bob Melvin won’t be afraid to go with who is the better fit.

Signs point towards Mateo getting a shot in Oakland, he just needs to put his success in the minors to the MLB level. It all starts in Spring Training where we will get our look to see if he’s ready to take that challenge.