Jorge Mateo Stats & Scouting Report College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

TRACK RECORD: Viewed as one of the top prospects the A's received in the Sonny Gray trade with the Yankees, Mateo remains a head-scratcher who flashes big tools but struggles to produce consistently. He repeated the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 2019 and took encouraging steps, cutting his strikeout rate while increasing his power output—but he also suffered a massive second half drop-off.

SCOUTING REPORT: Mateo's biggest tool is his 80-grade speed. He stole 82 bases in 2015 and 52 in 2017, though his stolen base totals have been more modest with Oakland. For Mateo to be at his sharpest, he needs to be on the basepaths, which has been a problem. Some days, he is on time in the box, stays within the strike zone and uses the whole field with a quick, direct swing. Other times he is tentative against velocity, swings from his heels and shows zero pitch-recognition. Evaluators don't know what to make of Mateo's offensive potential, but most see .250 with 15 home runs as the best possible outcome. Mateo is similarly inconsistent at shortstop, sometimes playing too aggressive and other times too passive. He has the athleticism and plus arm to play multiple positions.

THE FUTURE: Mateo needs to find some semblance of consistency. He'll return to Triple-A in 2020.

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