Jorge Mateo stands out as one of MLB’s most dynamic defensive players and base-stealing threats. The Baltimore Orioles infielder has built his reputation on blazing speed and exceptional fielding abilities, particularly at shortstop.
This comprehensive look at Mateo explores his journey from Dominican prospect to established MLB player, examining his current $3.55 million contract, career earnings exceeding $13.8 million, and his development as a defensive specialist.
Jorge Mateo’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Luis Mateo |
| Date of Birth | June 23, 1995 |
| Age | 29 years |
| Nationality | Dominican Republic |
| Birthplace | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Weight | 200 lbs (90 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2012 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $4.3 million |
| Salary | $3,550,000 |
| Career Earnings | $13,824,188 |
| @jorgemateord |
Early Career
Jorge Luis Mateo’s baseball journey began in the streets of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where like many young Dominicans, baseball wasn’t just a sport but a pathway to a better life. His natural athletic abilities, particularly his exceptional speed, caught the attention of international scouts when he was a teenager.
What made Mateo’s early development particularly meaningful was an interaction with former Major League outfielder Eury Pérez when Mateo was around 15 years old. Pérez gave the young Mateo a baseball bat-a gesture that profoundly impacted him and later influenced his own commitment to giving back to his community.
The New York Yankees recognized Mateo’s potential and signed him as an international free agent on January 28, 2012, offering him a $250,000 signing bonus. This moment marked the official beginning of his professional baseball career.
After signing, Mateo was assigned to the Dominican Summer League, playing for the DSL Yankees2 team. His development continued steadily as he transitioned to DSL Yankees1 in 2013, displaying the raw talent that had attracted the Yankees’ attention.
Mateo’s journey through the Yankees’ minor league system began in earnest when he was assigned to the Gulf Coast League Yankees in 2014. His progress accelerated in 2015 when he joined the Charleston RiverDogs, the Yankees’ Class A affiliate in the South Atlantic League.
Later that same year, his performance earned him a promotion to the Tampa Yankees (now known as the Tampa Tarpons), the organization’s High-A affiliate. His speed was already becoming his trademark, as he regularly demonstrated his base-stealing prowess.
Professional Career
Jorge Mateo was assigned to the Midland RockHounds, their Double-A affiliate. He continued to develop his skills in the Athletics’ farm system, eventually advancing to Triple-A with the Las Vegas Aviators (formerly the Las Vegas 51s).
His speed and defensive versatility remained his strongest assets, though his batting remained a work in progress. Mateo’s performance in Triple-A earned him recognition, and he was selected for the Triple-A All-Star Game in 2019, further cementing his status as a legitimate prospect.
The 2020 season brought significant changes for Mateo. On June 30, amid the pandemic-shortened season, the Athletics traded him to the San Diego Padres. This trade finally provided Mateo with his long-awaited opportunity to reach the major leagues.
He made his MLB debut on August 13, 2020, against the Los Angeles Dodgers, realizing the dream he had been pursuing since signing as a teenager in the Dominican Republic. However, his time with the Padres was relatively brief and hampered by limited opportunities.
Mateo’s major league career came on August 5, 2021, when the Baltimore Orioles claimed him off waivers from the Padres. This change of scenery proved transformative for Mateo, as the rebuilding Orioles offered him something the contending Padres couldn’t: regular playing time. With Baltimore, Mateo finally had the opportunity to showcase his talents on an everyday basis, primarily as a shortstop.
Jorge Mateo’s Net Worth Details
Jorge Mateo’s net worth is estimated to be $4.3 million as of 2025.
Contract
Mateo’s current contract with the Baltimore Orioles represents a significant step in his financial progression as a professional baseball player. In January 2025, he agreed to a one-year, $3.55 million contract with the Orioles, settling at the midpoint between his $4 million request and the team’s $3.1 million offer in arbitration.
The contract includes a team option for the 2026 season valued at $5.5 million, with potential escalators that could increase the value to $6 million based on performance metrics.
Specifically, the option price would increase by $125,000 each time Mateo reaches plate appearance thresholds of 460, 480, 500, and 520 in the 2025 season. The contract lacks a buyout provision, meaning if the Orioles decline the 2026 option, Mateo would not receive additional compensation.
Salary
Jorge Mateo’s salary has seen steady growth throughout his major league career, reflecting his increasing value and service time. For the 2025 season, Mateo earns $3.55 million, a significant increase from his 2024 salary of $2.7 million.
This represents his third year of arbitration eligibility, with each year seeing substantial raises from his previous earnings. Prior to reaching arbitration eligibility, Mateo earned considerably less, with pre-arbitration salaries typically near the league minimum.
His first arbitration-eligible season resulted in a $2 million salary, followed by $2.7 million in 2024, and now $3.55 million. If the Orioles exercise his 2026 option, he would earn $5.5 million (potentially up to $6 million with incentives), continuing his upward salary trajectory before potentially hitting free agency after the 2026 season.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Salary | Signing Bonus | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Yankees | – | $250,000 | $250,000 |
| 2019 | Athletics | $555,000 | – | $555,000 |
| 2020 | Athletics/Padres | $208,704 | – | $208,704 |
| 2021 | Padres/Orioles | $565,616 | – | $565,616 |
| 2022 | Orioles | $709,500 | – | $709,500 |
| 2023 | Orioles | $2,000,000 | – | $2,000,000 |
| 2024 | Orioles | $2,700,000 | – | $2,700,000 |
| 2025 | Orioles | $3,550,000 | – | $3,550,000 |
| Total | $10,538,820 |
MLB Career Stats
| Stat | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played (G) | 458 |
| At Bats (AB) | 1,243 |
| Runs (R) | 175 |
| Hits (H) | 275 |
| Doubles (2B) | 68 |
| Triples (3B) | 12 |
| Home Runs (HR) | 29 |
| Runs Batted In (RBI) | 118 |
| Walks (BB) | 69 |
| Hit By Pitch (HBP) | 11 |
| Strikeouts (SO) | 350 |
| Stolen Bases (SB) | 94 |
| Caught Stealing (CS) | 20 |
| Batting Average (AVG) | .221 |
| On-Base % (OBP) | .267 |
| Slugging % (SLG) | .365 |
| OPS | .632 |
FAQs
1. For which MLB team does Jorge Mateo play, and what is his primary position?
Mateo plays as a shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles, using his range, arm, and versatility to excel defensively. He occasionally fills in at second base and outfield when needed.
2. What are Mateo’s most notable skills on the baseball field?
He is best known for elite speed, aggressive baserunning, and strong defensive instincts. Mateo regularly ranks among MLB’s leaders in stolen bases and infield range.
3. How did Mateo reach the MLB, and what was his prospect reputation?
Originally signed by the New York Yankees as an international free agent, Mateo was highly rated for speed and athleticism, appearing on top-100 prospect lists before making his MLB debut.
4. Which MLB teams has Mateo played for during his career?
Mateo started his MLB career with the San Diego Padres before joining the Baltimore Orioles, where he earned regular playing time and showcased his unique toolset.
5. How has Mateo performed as a hitter in the major leagues?
He has produced moderate batting averages with flashes of power, but his main value comes from speed, bunting, and pressuring defenses in the leadoff and bottom-of-the-order spots.
6. What are Mateo’s standout defensive moments or highlights?
Mateo is known for making difficult plays look routine at shortstop and saving runs with diving stops, strong throws, and double-play ability, earning praise from coaches and analysts.
7. How does Mateo use his speed to help the Orioles win games?
He creates instant offense with stolen bases, often turning routine singles into doubles. Mateo frequently disrupts pitchers and catchers, putting himself into scoring position with aggressive baserunning.
8. What adjustments has Mateo made to stay in MLB lineups?
Mateo improved his plate discipline, worked on reducing strikeouts, and embraced a utility role. His willingness to adapt has increased his value to the Orioles and kept him an everyday option.
9. What is Mateo’s international baseball background and experience?
Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Mateo participated in winter ball leagues and represented his home country, gaining recognition for his dynamic play on both sides of the ball.
10. What does Mateo aim for in his ongoing MLB career?
Mateo seeks to remain one of MLB’s top defensive shortstops and base stealers, help lead the Orioles to postseason contention, and continue developing as a reliable everyday player.
