The O's Jorge Mateo takes a spot among the best shortstops in the AL

By at least one measure, the Orioles' Jorge Mateo is among the best shortstops right now in the American League. When it comes to FanGraphs.com Wins Above Replacement (fWAR), he ranks third right now ahead of players like Carlos Correa, Bo Bichette, Amed Rosario and Bobby Witt Jr.

Boston’s Xander Bogaerts leads all AL shortstops in fWAR at 4.2, and next is Corey Seager of Texas at 3.9 and then Mateo at 2.8.

“I think it’s always really good to hear that you are in those types of conversations. That is something I want to be a part of," Mateo said today with the help of team translator Brandon Quinones. "To hear your name come up like that and to hear you are doing a good job and you are up there among the best is something I am really proud of and take a lot of pride in.”

In 44 games since July 1, Mateo is batting .294/.342/.538 (42-for-143) with nine doubles, four triples, six home runs, 27 runs scored, 25 RBIs, nine walks and nine stolen bases. On Sunday night his three-run double in the eighth broke a 2-2 tie with Boston. Last night his RBI single in the seventh extended the O’s lead over the Chicago White Sox to 5-3.

Since the All-Star break, he is batting .317/.355/.574 (32-for-101) with seven doubles, two triples, five home runs, 20 runs scored, 20 RBIs, five walks and six stolen bases in 29 games. And his .929 OPS since the break ranks 11th in the AL.

What has been the difference at bat for Mateo? Is he chasing fewer pitches?

“Yeah, you could say that, for sure," he said. "I think it is something that plays into it when it’s time to step up to the plate. But just working (is big). Just hard work has been one of the keys for the success I have been experiencing lately, and a lot of focus.”

Originally signed by the New York Yankees as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic for $225,000 in 2012, Mateo was once considered a top prospect. He was ranked in the Baseball America top 100 three times: No. 26 in 2016, No. 85 in 2017 and No. 64 in 2018.

But he just never got an extended chance to play much until this year. The Orioles claimed Mateo on waivers last August from the San Diego Padres.

He said getting the chance to play every day for the first time has been big for him.

“Yes. I would definitely say so, first time I’ve had the opportunity to compete over a full season so far," Mateo said. "And I really appreciate all the experience I’m gaining and everything I’m learning being out there every day. It’s been really great for me.”

Mateo has had his share of highlights, both in the field and at bat for the Orioles. On defense, his six defensive runs saved rank third on the O's and tied for eighth among major league shortstops, per Sports Info Solutions.

Does he get more excitement from producing the big hit or the big play on defense?

“In reality, both," he said. "I really appreciate and enjoy making a defensive play to help out the pitcher and help us stay in the game and to make a crucial play out at shortstop. But at the same time, I really love coming up with that big hit to put us in front and help us get the win. But always enjoy making special plays at shortstop."