BALTIMORE — Jorge Mateo, the second baseman for the Baltimore Orioles, successfully avoided a salary arbitration hearing by finalizing a one-year contract worth $3.55 million on Tuesday.

As part of this agreement, Mateo’s contract includes a team option valued at $5.5 million for the 2026 season. This option comes with the potential to increase by an additional $500,000, depending on his plate appearances in the upcoming 2025 season, with increments of $125,000 for appearances hitting milestones of 460, 480, 500, and 520.

During negotiations, Mateo initially sought a salary of $4 million, while the Orioles had offered him $3.1 million when both parties exchanged their proposed figures earlier this month. In the previous year, Mateo had a batting average of .229, contributing five home runs, 18 RBIs, and successfully stealing 13 bases.

This contract solidifies Mateo’s financial situation for the upcoming season and reflects the team’s confidence in his abilities on the field.