NY Mets broadcaster makes a bold prediction for Ronny Mauricio

Figuring out where all of the puzzle pieces belong with the New York Mets roster is something we’ve all had fun with. There’s a surplus of position players with youth on their side. Time, however, might not favor them.

Someone vying for inclusion in the future plans is Ronny Mauricio whose 2024 season was washed out due to injury. On his way back to game action, he could be a major factor in this coming year.

In fact, Mets radio broadcaster Keith Raad is boldly declaring him the solution at third base.

How quickly will Ronny Mauricio take the Mets third base job?

A lot of Mauricio’s future remains dependent on the first base situation. With Pete Alonso back in the loop, an opportunity at third base becomes more limited. Even if it’s not Alonso who eventually calls first base home, a chance to sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr. next offseason adds further questions to Raad’s bold prediction for Mauricio. Mark Vientos is going to need to hit somewhere. It’s not going to be as an everyday DH with a roster that has Juan Soto on it.

Mauricio has only dabbled at third base in his professional career. His 5 starts at the end of 2023 at the hot corner in the majors is more than he ever got in the minors for the Mets. During his time in foreign winter leagues, Mauricio built up the largest sample of games at the position. It’s difficult to fairly measure his ability to defend the position without seeing each opportunity. However, in a small sample of 129.2 innings, he has made 6 errors and has a disgusting .842 fielding percentage.

Playing immaculate defense isn’t the end-goal here. The Mets will simply look for an upgrade at the position from a defensive standpoint over Vientos.

The increasing logjam of young position players versus the veterans they could push out of the picture feels a little less crowded than this time last year. Many have written Brett Baty off as an everyday third base option, thus the declaration by Raad who sees Mauricio taking over at the position. There’s still a matter of figuring out exactly where Luisangel Acuna belongs as well as Jett Williams who is essentially a replica of him as a speedy shortstop who could either play second base or center field. Chances are the Mets will trade one of the two.

Mauricio as the everyday third baseman comes with some benefits. Because of his extensive experience at shortstop, the Mets would never have to worry about carrying a weak-hitting infielder on their roster simply to have an alternative at the position. Francisco Lindor could exit a blowout more easily or stick in the lineup as the DH to get a half-day scheduled. Mauricio’s success brings more to the table than some of the other youth. First, he’ll need to show he’s healthy. Then he’ll need to seize every opportunity the Mets give him and use the hunger Raad believes he has in him to make it all come together.