BALTIMORE — Baltimore second baseman Jorge Mateo avoided a salary arbitration hearing when he agreed to a $3.55 million, one-year contract with the Orioles.
Mateo’s deal includes a $5.5 million team option for 2026. The option could increase by $500,000 based on plate appearances in 2025: $125,000 each for 460, 480, 500 and 520.
Mateo had asked for $4 million and had been offered $3.1 million when the sides exchanged proposed figures. He hit .229 with five homers, 18 RBIs and 13 stolen bases last year.