MLB Rumors: Two Teams In Mad Chase for Shortstop Jorge Mateo

KEY POINTS

Tigers, Royals interested in Jorge Mateo
Athletics need to decide on Mateo's fate soon
Mateo lacks flexibility but will get a chance at the majors if A's deal him

Shortstop Jorge Mateo is drawing interest from at least two teams, a sensible move if the Oakland Athletics are unable to use the 24-year-old player. He hit a decent .289/.330/.504 with 19 home runs and 24 stolen bases in Triple-A in 2019.

According to The Athletic, the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers have shown interest in Mateo although there are other MLB teams also looking into the player from the Dominican Republic. The Athletics could actually push Mateo to the majors but Oakland does not have that flexibility. Further, Mateo is in the mix that includes Franklin Barreto, Vimale Machin, and Tony Kemp. Worth noting is that all these players are not yet established and lack roster flexibility.

But the tricky part for Oakland is that these players are already out of minor league options. Hence, if they fail to make the active roster, they can be claimed off waivers. And if that happens, it will be the Tigers who will get the first crack at Mateo followed by other teams like the Orioles, Marlins, and Royals, MLB Trade Rumors pointed out.

It would be best to note that there are risks involved in taking in Mateo. As mentioned earlier, he is not yet established. But his solid minor league performance has been gaining attention. With most seeing the TIgers and the Royals not contending for a playoff spot this 2020, the 24-year-old could be worth experimenting on.

For now, it will be the call of the Athletics on what to do with Mateo. They could trade him as early as now so that they would not end empty-handed. If they are thinking of promoting him to the majors, it could be a close finish. Hence, if they do not have actual plans on him, it may be best to offer him via trade to other teams and see what assets they could get in return.

Seeing how the Royals are at the raw end of the list, Kansas City could end up pitching a trade to Oakland as early as now. A trade is the only way they can jump the gun on other MLB teams although they need to offer something irresistible for the Athletics to agree.