Baltimore Orioles Speedster Finds New Home, Internal Answer Already in Place

After losing shortstop Ha Seong-Kim for months due to a broken hand, Atlanta had to find a replacement at shortstop, and they happened to stumble across this longtime Orioles infielder.

The Atlanta Braves have signed former Baltimore Orioles infielder Jorge Mateo on January 19, 2025 to a one-year deal worth $1 million dollars.  

Mateo (30), played an adequate role in Baltimore's success over the years, as his defense and base-running skills proved to be pivotal on many occasions. 

Although his bat was never outstanding, he would make it up for it with his stellar defense and lightning quick speed, making Mateo one of, if not the best pinch-runner in all of baseball

Mateo has led the Baltimore Orioles in stolen bases since the start of 2022, with 95 stolen bases between 2022 and late 2025. 

Mateo was tenured in Baltimore from his waiver claim in August 2021, all the way to the end of the 2025 season, as he slowly saw himself become a key part of Baltimore's playoff teams. 

The speedy shortstop would be on the receiving end of many walk-offs, as he was often a pinch runner during high leverage situations. 

Mateo's career in Baltimore was filled with exciting moments that showcased his lightning quick speed, occasionally energizing the Camden Yards crowd. 

Without Mateo's base stealing ability, Baltimore may have to find another speed specialist to inject on their bench. 

As it stands right now, starting shortstop Gunnar Henderson is projected to lead Baltimore in stolen bases next season with 21. 

After longtime outfielder Cedric Mullins departed at the 2025 Trade Deadline, Baltimore has been one of the least effective teams stealing bases. Now with Mateo gone, Baltimore will likely have to rely on their youth to flash their fresh legs. 

Jackson Holliday is a player who I believe possesses 30 stolen base upside. After swiping only 17 bags in 149 games last season, Holliday can easily reach 20 stolen bases if he can get on base at a better rate.

Holliday possesses 82nd percentile speed, which I fully expect him to display more in 2026. If the second baseman were to stay at Baltimore's leadoff spot, it would increase his amount of at-bats, giving Holliday more stolen base opportunities.

I believe Holliday will challenge Henderson for the teams stolen base lead this season.

Although Mateo's time in Baltimore was average at best, he leaves Baltimore fans with a handful of electric memories. 

Mateo will now have an opportunity to showcase his skillset in Atlanta, as he should get a plethora of at-bats and base running opportunities. 

If Mateo can put together a strong 2026 season, there could be other teams willing to give him a longterm deal once he hits the open market in 2027.