Two things happened yesterday: Mateo got a new deal, and Adam Jones was introduced in his new role with the organization.
Good morning Birdland,
You wanted the Orioles to sign a player to an extension, right? Well, have I got good news for you, because that is exactly what they did on Tuesday.
Jorge Mateo and the Orioles agreed to a new contract that pays him $3.55 million in 2025 and includes a club option for 2026 worth $5.5 million. This new deal allows the two sides to avoid arbitration. And because this includes an option year the Orioles have not broken their “file and trail’ approach to the process. Deals like this cannot be used as a precedent for future hearings.
So, is it really an extension? Ehh, sure. It’s an extension that gives the team an opt-out after 2025. This is the same thing they did with Ryan O’Hearn a year ago, and that ended up working well for the Orioles.
Right now, Mateo feels less likely to have his player option picked up. Clearly, he is a very useful bench player due to his speed and glove, but the potential starting infield of Jackson Holliday, Gunnar Henderson, and Jordan Westburg will (hopefully) provide Mateo with fewer opportunities than he has had the last three seasons. All three of those players will be younger, cheaper, and (probably) better than Mateo. The team could turn elsewhere for wheels on the bench in the future if they see fit.
As for 2025, it’s great to have Mateo back in the fold. Using him as a true utility option is his ideal role. He might still play on a daily basis, even if it comes as a pinch runner or a pinch hitter late against a left-handed reliever. The Orioles missed him late in the season as he recovered from a UCL tear in his left elbow. His athleticism late in games will be an asset.
Links
Mateo avoids arbitration, agrees to ‘25 contract with O’s | MLB.com
If you just couldn’t get enough Mateo talk above, here is even more!
Jones on Sugano: “I’m just excited to get him around” | Roch Kubatko
I didn’t even think about how Adam Jones may have run into Tomoyuki Sogano at some point. It’s nice to have at least one glowing endorsement from a reliable source.
‘Great baseball mind’ Jones back with O’s as advisor to GM, community ambassador | Orioles.com
Here is more from Jones, who was officially introduced in his new role as advisor to general manager Mike Elias on Tuesday. Who knows how much influence Jones will have, but it is neat to see players from the most recent era of Orioles success to be back involved with the organization.
Can Adam Jones help the O’s ink an extension? | The Baltimore Banner
I’m sensing a theme. Having a player’s perspective within the organization certainly can’t hurt extension conversations. But I have to think that Elias and his crew are going to defer to their process over Jones’ insight.
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
- Jair Jurrjens turns 39. He pitched in two games for the Orioles in 2013.
- John Habyan is 61 today. From 1985-88, he tossed 160 total innings for the Orioles
This day in O’s history
1994 – Free agent Lee Smith signs with the Orioles.
1998 – Ozzie Guillen signs a minor league contract with the Orioles, which includes an invite to major league spring training.
1999 – Jimmy Key retires from baseball. The 37-year-old lefty, who had spent the previous two seasons in Baltimore, had been dealing with shoulder injuries for several years.
2002 – The Oriolee acquire outfielder Chris Singleton from the White Sox in exchange for minor league infielder Willie Harris.