NY Mets quietly activated Ronny Mauricio from the IL, what's their plan with him?

The New York Mets made several roster moves yesterday, one of them being the activation of Francisco Lindor from the IL. Lindor returned for the second game of the doubleheader, slotting in at shortstop and helping the Mets look a little bit more like themselves even without Juan Soto and an early error from him. In addition to him leaving the IL, the Mets have gotten back Ronny Mauricio although he immediately went to Syracuse.

Mauricio’s return from the IL wasn’t highly discussed, debated, or anticipated. How many of us even realized he was on his way back? Just four games of rehab action including three with Syracuse, he has been officially reinstated and reassigned to the team.

So what’s next? It seems to be the ongoing question with Mauricio. Regarded as a top 100 prospect several times by the different outlets between 2019 and 2024, we’re at the point where the plan with Mauricio doesn’t seem clear.

What are the Mets going to do with Ronny Mauricio anyway?

Given the uncertainty at third base with Bo Bichette owning an opt-out in his contract and being a trade candidate, that’s about the only thing the Mets can do with him. Something along the lines of what they’ve turned Brett Baty into this year feels unsatisfying mostly because of how poorly he has done in the super utility role. The co-existence of this pair can work with the major caveat being the Mets are probably not good enough with them in a similar role. Aren’t we all past the point of a Mets bench with prospects who haven’t earned their big league job?

During his rehab, Mauricio played two games at shortstop and another pair at third base. He has played there plenty this season in the minors. It is a bit peculiar unless the plan is to keep him down in the minor leagues to improve his defense at that position while having him ready to replace Lindor in case of another injury.

Exhaustively teaching Mauricio how to play third base won’t do the Mets any good unless he is actually a contender to take that job next year. Baty has shown plenty at the position defensively while the bat continues to underwhelm. Meanwhile, Mauricio is even less proven with a .643 OPS in the majors through 324 plate appearances.

Upon his “return” on Wednesday, Mauricio played shortstop yet again, offering no further hint toward any kind of future proclamation. Keeping him at shortstop and having him fine tune those skills may only increase his trade value. An average fielding shortstop with power potential is far more valuable than a kid learning third base with the same profile.

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