Chukars’ Mata off to a hot start, showing he’s ‘the best shortstop in the league’

IDAHO FALLS — Idaho Falls Chukars shortstop Anthony Mata is off to a red hot start at the plate, currently among the league leaders in hits and batting average.

The 23-year-old San Diego native has been hitting “missiles” almost every time he has come to bat, according to Chukars manager Troy Percival. Additionally, Percival, who spent 14 years in the Major Leagues, contends that, defensively, Mata is a Big League-caliber talent.

“You could put that guy in a Big League game and you would never know he wasn’t a Big Leaguer. He’s that good,” Percival told EastIdahoSports.com after the Chukars’ 12-11 victory over the Billings Mustangs, Friday.

Mata finished the 2024 season — his first with the Chukars — with a .307 average.

His bat is much more vocal this season. Through two weeks of play, Mata is second in the Pioneer Baseball League in hitting, with a .512 average. His 21 hits are third-most in the PBL.

When Mata joined the league last season, Percival knew he was capable of being a star.

“He’s incredible. I knew when I brought him here, he’s going to be the best shortstop in the league, and he is,” Percival said. “There’s no question. Everybody in the league saw it last year. When he’s hitting, there’s no comparison.”

Despite his hot offensive start, it is Mata’s defense that place him among the top infielders in the league.

He carries a .939 fielding percentage into Grand Junction, where the Chukars will open a six-game set with the Jackalopes, Tuesday. But that fielding percentage, according to Percival, is misleading.

Mata has been charged with two errors, both coming on plays that would not have been plays at all for most infielders.

During Friday’s win, Mata, showing off his impressive range, made a diving play to his left before quickly rising to his feet and firing a throw to first. The throw arrived slightly late and a bit wide, scooting past first baseman Jacob Jablonski. Trailing by a run later, the base runner aggressively challenged for second base, and a return throw from Jablonski was, like Mata’s, wide of the mark.

According to Percival, Mata’s other error came on a similar play, with the 6-foot-3 diving to hir right this time.

“He’s got two errors that he shouldn’t’ have,” the coach said.

Mata’s stellar range and nifty glove work has netted him some star-worthy plays that produced outs as well. He ended the eighth inning Friday by flagging down a spinning “knubber,” as Percival called it, that just bounded over the outstretched glove of pitcher Ricky Tibbett. Mata reacted quickly as the ball kicked sideways out of the grass, snatching it with a barehand and firing to Jablonski for the out.

“He does things that other people can’t do,” Percival said.

Mata and the Chukars open their series with the Jackalopes at 6:35 p.m., Tuesday.