Jorge Mateo may have clinched a role on the Oakland A’s roster due to the new rules governing extra inning play.
Heading into what was expected to be the 2020 season, Jorge Mateo was not guaranteed a spot on the Oakland A’s. He was seemingly an afterthought in the battle for second base, nominally in the running, but trailing Tony Kemp, Franklin Barreto, and even Vimael Machin in the battle. The one time top prospect was thought to be on the trade block, with the Royals and Tigers known to be interested in his services.
But things have changed since then. The pandemic has forced the league into a 60 game season with some bizarre rules designed to alleviate the length of those contests. For example, extra innings will see a runner on second base to begin the inning, with the hope that a run or two will be pushed across, limiting the number of extra innings required.
That could open a spot for Mateo. If nothing else, he possesses incredible speed, as he is perhaps the fastest player in the A’s organization. His speed could be a weapon in this shortened season, potentially stealing a win or two for the A’s as he looks to earn a spot on the roster.
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He certainly proved himself to be worth a look last season. After years of tantalizing with his talent, he produced a solid .289/.330/.504 batting line in his 566 plate appearances. Mateo filled up the stat line, hitting 29 doubles, 14 triples, 19 homers, and stealing 24 bases.
At 25 years old, there is still time for Mateo to develop into a solid major leaguer. He has the potential to be an exciting part of the lineup, a dynamic leadoff hitter if he can improve his plate discipline and make more consistent contact. Although he walk rate continued to be subpar last season, he did finally show signs of progress in other aspects.
Sometimes, a player just needs a chance to get a foot in the door. For Mateo, that chance could happen due to his impressive speed, making him a possible weapon in extra innings. Even that small role could lead to more in the future, especially given the unsettled situation at second. Mateo may yet emerge as a valuable piece of the puzzle.
For now, Jorge Mateo would seem to have a place on the Oakland A’s roster. It may be to serve as a speedster on second in extra innings, but even that role can lead to more.