Position: RHP
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 185 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 10/25/2005
Country: Dominican Republic
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2023
Bonus: $800,000
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2027
Minor League Free Agency: 2029
Options Left: 3
Overview
Mateo got the second-largest bonus of the Pirates’ January 2023 international signees, based on a very high ceiling. He was reaching the mid-90s when he was just 16 and 98 at 17, and he reportedly threw the fastball for strikes. His breaking ball and change need work.
2023-24
Mateo’s debut was just a long struggle to get the ball anywhere near the strike zone. In 12 innings, he walked 30, hit three and threw 16 wild pitches. He also gave up 18 hits and had an ERA of 18.75. Despite the struggles, the Pirates brought Mateo to the FCL in 2024, initially trying him as a starter, but it was more of the same. In 23 innings, he walked 35, hit ten and threw eight wild pitches.
Stats
Transactions
January 15, 2023: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.