The Detroit Tigers have “shown interest” in Oakland Athletics infielder Jorge Mateo, according to a report from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Mateo, a one-time top-100 prospect, hit .289/.330/.504 with 19 home runs and 24 stolen bases for Triple-A Las Vegas last year, but was not called up in September. He struggled in winter ball, hitting just .197/.289/.235 with four extra-base hits in 37 games.
Mateo, 24, is out of options, and part of a crowded competition for the second base job in Oakland. Former top prospect Franklin Barreto — who is also out of options, and a potential late-March cut — and Rule 5 selection Vimael Machin are also in the mix, and early indications are that Mateo is third in the pecking order.