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MLB rumors: 5 prospects who can help A’s in 2019

By Sean Sears

ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Franklin Barreto #1 of the Oakland Athletics jogs to first base on his two-run homerun to center tield during the sixth inning of the MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Anaheim, California. The Angels defeated the Athletics 5-4. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Franklin Barreto #1 of the Oakland Athletics jogs to first base on his two-run homerun to center tield during the sixth inning of the MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Anaheim, California. The Angels defeated the Athletics 5-4. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /
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MESA, AZ – FEBRUARY 24: Jorge Mateo #57 of the Oakland Athletics takes batting practice prior to the game against the San Diego Padres at Hohokam Stadium on February 24, 2018 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jorge Mateo
MESA, AZ – FEBRUARY 24: Jorge Mateo #57 of the Oakland Athletics takes batting practice prior to the game against the San Diego Padres at Hohokam Stadium on February 24, 2018 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jorge Mateo /

3. Jorge Mateo, SS

The Athletics could use some infield depth, and while Jorge Mateo struggled when he was promoted to AAA, he’s off to a hot start so far in 2019. The 23-year-old infielder is slashing .395/.435/.605 with one homer, four stolen bases and 11 runs scored so far, as the speedy Mateo shows flashes of what made him special with the Yankees.

Mateo, who can play both middle infield spots and has seen some time in the outfield, was once considered the Yankees’ top prospect coming into the 2016 season. In just 21 High A games, Mateo had an OPS of .826 and had swiped 11 bags, as his elite speed plus his hot bat was allowing Mateo to wreak havoc on the base paths.

However, Mateo hasn’t been able to live up to the hype he created for himself late in the 2015 season, which is why the Yankees shipped him to Oakland in the Sonny Gray deal. The A’s are thin in the middle infield department and with Jurickson Profar stumbling some out of the gate, Mateo may be able to turn his hot start to 2019 into a promotion to the big-league club. With so many elite infield prospects, the A’s may just want to a utility player, and Mateo’s versatility and speed would be welcomed on most MLB teams.

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