The Jorge Mateo deal has finally been completed, as the Oakland A’s have acquired Junior Perez from the San Diego Padres.
The Oakland A’s seemingly had a choice to make this season when it came to their 28 man roster. Both Jorge Mateo and Franklin Barreto needed to be kept on the roster, but they were essentially in the same boat. Oakland ended up sending Mateo to the Padres prior to the start of the season, receiving a player to be named later in return.
On Thursday, that player was named. The A’s have received minor league outfielder Junior Perez from the Padres to complete that trade.
The Oakland A’s acquired minor league outfielder Junior Perez from San Diego as the player to be named later in the June 30 trade in which they dealt infielder Jorge Mateo to the Padres.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) November 6, 2020
Mateo did not exactly live up to his former top prospect status in San Diego. His time with the Padres was pushed back in the wake of a positive COVID test, as he did not make his debut until August 13. He managed just four hits in his 28 plate appearances, although he did have three doubles. Mateo also drew just one walk while striking out 11 times.
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In exchange, the A’s received an intriguing lottery ticket. Perez, while not a top prospect, was still considered a solid player in a loaded Padres system. He was considered to be one of their top 25 prospects, an intriguing power prospect at just 19 years old.
At 6’1″ tall and 165 pounds, it is easy to project that he will gain strength as his body fills out. He is considered to have a quick bat with plenty of pop, showing a knack for making hard contact. Perez has also been able to handle fastballs at the top of the zone, although there are questions about his flexibility and ability to handle breaking pitches at the bottom of the zone.
Yet the tools are intriguing enough to take a chance. He performed well in 2019, posting a .268/.349/.512 batting line in his 238 plate appearances, his 11 homers good for second in the Arizona League despite being just 17 years old. If he develops as hoped, Perez could be a part of the A’s future in a corner outfield spot.
The Oakland A’s have completed the Jorge Mateo trade, having acquired Junior Perez from the San Diego Padres. His power potential makes him an intriguing player moving forward.