Mateo's absence during the season was considered "underrated" by the Orioles, as his defensive versatility and speed were missed. He dislocated his left elbow while playing defense in July and underwent UCL surgery in August. While it's uncertain when he will be fully recovered, the expectation is that he will be ready near the beginning of the regular season. Elias expressed optimism about Mateo being able to contribute significantly throughout the 2025 season.