Orioles might not miss this offseason departure thanks to surprise breakout

The loss of super utility man Jorge Mateo won't be the first thing Baltimore Orioles fans mention when talking about what went wrong during the team's 2025 season, but the hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for most of the year certainly speaks to the larger issue that Baltimore has had with injuries.

Considering the injury, it feels like the Orioles will be turning down the 2026 club option on Mateo's deal. It also seems that they already have his replacement on the roster. There are plenty of unfamiliar faces on the Orioles' roster after their sell-off at the MLB trade deadline, but rookie Jeremiah Jackson has become one of the second-half success stories.

Through Jackson's first 101 plate appearances at the Major League level, the 25-year-old outfielder is slashing .337/.356/.520 with three home runs and a 143 wRC+. There almost certainly will be an adjustment as Major League pitchers get the book on him, but Jackson has made a strong case to be a part of the 2026 roster.

Orioles may not regret this upcoming offseason move thanks to unlikely hero

Mateo's biggest value to the Orioles came through the way of his versatility, showcasing an ability to play all three outfield spots in addition to second base, third base, and shortstop. That flexibility comes in handy on any Major League roster, and Jackson could be that for the Orioles in 2026.

Jackson has played mostly right field during his initial run with the Orioles, but has sprinkled in some time at third base. In the minors, Jackson also had time at second base, third base, shortstop, and all three outfield spots.

As the Orioles play out this final stretch of games before the end of the season, identifying players who could be key contributors to the 2026 roster must be the priority. Jackson could be one of those contributors, and if he is, it would allow the Orioles to use the money saved by declining Mateo's option elsewhere.

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