Jorge Mateo

Position: SS
Level: High A
Affiliate: Tampa Yankees
League: Pacific Coast League
Age: 20
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 190
B/T: Right / Right
Acquired: Signed as a non-drafted free agent on August 16, 2010 (NYY); Traded to OAK 7/31/2017

Prospect Spotlight

The Potential Tools: 80 run, 60 arm, 50 hit, 50 glove

Strengths: Plus athleticism; elite run; game-changing speed; quick, graceful strides; explosive first speed; sub-3.8 HP-to-1B run times; will be a base-stealing threat; projectable frame — broad shoulder; room to add premium strength — growth spurt this offseason; average reads and reactions in field; above-average range; plus arm strength; plus bat speed; slight lift in swing; feel for barrel; quality barrel control through hitting zone; patient approach; shows ability to take spin down in zone; will use all fields; power is gap-to-gap oriented; average strength and potential for average raw power.

Weaknesses: Defense needs more consistency; questions about focus in the field at times; will become aggressive at times; swing and miss vs. spin in strike zone; power will play well below average; hit tool utility could play below projection; speed-reliant profile; strength needed for durability; no upper-minors experience.
Role Ceiling: 50; major league regular shortstop.

Risk: High; speed-reliant profile; no upper-minors experience.

Summary: An electric runner, Mateo brings a different dynamic at the plate and on the bases. At shortstop, he shows smooth actions and above-average reactions leading to a potential average glove and a plus arm. Power was never going to play a strong part in his game, but a growth spurt over this winter gives him a better chance to add good strength, and possibly tap into more of that raw power. Mateo has plus bat speed and some feel for the barrel but is still ultra-aggressive at the plate and will need to tone that down to be more consistent. With his elite run, defensive value, and possibly improving power, Mateo could quickly rise up prospect lists, and do the same through the Yankees’ farm system.