Why didn’t Orioles retain Jorge Mateo? | MAILBAG

Question: Why didn’t the Orioles keep Jorge Mateo when he is obviously the best defensive infielder they had along with being probably the fastest and smartest baserunner they had? The two middle infielders they have are comparatively defensive liabilities.

How and why would you expect Mateo to have a higher batting average when he got so few consecutive at-bats?  Seems he wasn’t given a chance to be successful. And I’m sure it wouldn’t have taken much to retain him. From: Howard Venable

Answer: Howard, there’s a lot to unpack there. Let’s start with your last point. The Orioles had a $5.5 million option on Mateo for 2026. Because of injuries, he played only 110 games over the last two seasons, so there was no chance they would pick up that option.

The Orioles really liked Mateo and kept him after he hit just .217 and had a .607 OPS in 2023. His defense was excellent at shortstop in 2022, but Gunnar Henderson’s overall play and durability make him the easy choice to play there.

While Mateo is not a bad second baseman, the potential of Jackson Holliday makes him the choice to play second.

As for the outfield, his time out there wasn’t terribly impressive.

Yes, his speed is excellent, but his injury history, lack of offense over the last 3 ½ seasons and superior talent at the positions he played made Mateo expendable.

Question: I watched a lot of Phillies games this season and was really impressed with Harrison Bader. Could he be the right-hitting outfielder that would be a good fit for the O’s? From: Beth Torres

Answer: Beth submitted this question just before the Orioles traded starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez to the Los Angeles Angels for Taylor Ward.

Ward’s acquisition doesn’t mean the Orioles are finished with adding right-handed hitting outfielders. I have liked Bader’s play and think he’d fit nicely in center field. MLBTradeRumors.com estimates he’ll get a two-year, $26 million contract next year.

While the Orioles need more starting pitching, a closer and other relievers, perhaps Bader would still interest them.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.