Rays Grab Speedy Jorge Mateo Off the Scrap Heap — And He's Out for Revenge

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays are making a low-key power move.

The club signed utility man Jorge Mateo to a major-league contract Thursday, just days after the Atlanta Braves cut him loose. If you like speed, this one's for you.

Mateo was solid-but-not-spectacular for Atlanta in 65 games this season, hitting .240 with six doubles, four homers and 10 stolen bases. But the Rays aren't just grabbing a warm body — they're grabbing a guy with legit burners.

Flashback to 2022

Remember Mateo? He led the American League with a career-high 35 steals while with Baltimore. The glove can play all over the diamond, and the speed wrecks opposing pitchers.

Over his career, Mateo's a .223 hitter with 77 doubles, 12 triples, 34 homers, 132 RBIs and 116 steals. He may not be a star, but he's the kind of versatile piece contenders love to add.

The Rays also made some pitching moves: they recalled right-hander Jesse Scholtens from Triple-A Durham, and sent righty Michael Grove and infielder Carson Williams back to Durham. Right-hander Trevor Martin was designated for assignment to clear room.

Mateo spent 2021-25 in Baltimore after being acquired from San Diego. Now he's getting a fresh start in the AL East — and he'll be looking to make somebody pay.