Estrellas Orientales Sign Jorge Mateo for Two Seasons
The Estrellas Orientales have announced the signing of talented shortstop Jorge Mateo to a two-year contract. This strategic agreement secures the player’s rights, preventing him from becoming a restricted free agent starting February 15th in the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM).
Mateo, 30 years old, was acquired by the Estrellas during the recent winter season, in a trade with the Leones del Escogido that involved third baseman Eguy Rosario.
In 15 games with the green team, the shortstop demonstrated a solid offensive performance with a line of .298/.355/.794. In addition, he stood out with three stolen bases in four attempts and provided defensive stability at shortstop.
Originally selected by the Toros del Este in the 2015 Rookie Draft, Mateo was a key player for the Leones del Escogido during the last Round Robin.
In the most recent Semifinal Series, Mateo participated in 10 games, batting .243, with one home run, four RBIs, nine stolen bases, and four runs scored.
With this new signing, the Stars secure Mateo and prevent him from becoming a restricted free agent on February 15, and unrestricted as of March 15, according to his player status with more than ten years in the league, in accordance with the collective agreement between LIDOM and the National Federation of Professional Baseball Players.
Winner of the Gold Glove in the 2019-2020 season with the Toros del Este, Mateo brings to the Estrellas six years of experience in Major Leagues, with the San Diego and Baltimore organizations, as well as speed and aggressiveness on the bases.
This would have been the second time Mateo would reach free agency in the Dominican league. The first was in 2024, when he signed with the Leones del Escogido under a contract that ends on February 14 and that was inherited by the Estrellas after the trade.The Braves Sign Jorge Mateo
A day after announcing that their starting shortstop Ha-Seong Kim will be out until mid-May, and possibly until June, the Braves have signed the Dominican Jorge Mateo for one year.
Mateo reached the free agent market after batting .177 with a home run and a .483 OPS in 42 games for the Orioles last year. The 30-year-old infielder has a .629 OPS in 1,411 plate appearances since his debut in 2020 with the Padres. He can play multiple positions, but has primarily been used as a shortstop.
