The Mets are carving out a pathway for Ronny Mauricio at a new position

Where does Ronny Mauricio play? It has been the debate among New York Mets fans ever since Francisco Lindor signed his massive extension. Mauricio’s path to the major leagues wouldn’t put him at shortstop. Instead, he'd have to get traded or find a new place to play.

On Friday night, the experiment began. Would the Mets try moving him to the outfield? Would shifting over to third base be the next move thus hinting at a possible change of position for Brett Baty down the line, too?

They’re keeping it simple for now. Mauricio made his debut at second base for the Syracuse Mets.

What it means for NY Mets prospect Ronny Mauricio to get innings at second base

Don’t worry your little head about Jeff McNeil. He’ll have a role on this team. It may not necessarily be at second base, though. In the absence of Starling Marte, he has been playing a whole bunch of outfield. If Mauricio progresses the way we all want him to, having him as the starting second baseman and using McNeil as a regular left fielder next season is one direction this team could be headed toward.

A bit more present tense, learning a new position makes Mauricio someone who can help out the Mets this season.

Luis Guillorme is great at what he does but an extended period of starting has its limitations. Mauricio has grown into a power hitter on the farm. Having his bat available regularly or even off the bench could become a dangerous weapon this season if needed. The Mets are well-equipped on the infield with all of their major league options and even utility man Danny Mendick. It seems like they’re now realizing Mauricio can help them out far more with a bit more flexibility, especially with McNeil having already filled in as a corner outfielder.

Action was sparse for Mauricio at second base in his debut. A lineout in the fifth to him was the first chance he had. He’d receive the ball an inning later when catcher Michael Perez threw out a runner trying to steal.

Mauricio’s night at the plate was a much tougher one. He struck out in all three of his trips to the plate. With a hefty .343 batting average and 1.124 OPS on the year with Syracuse, no one should be sweating.

This may be far from the end of Mauricio's trip around the diamond. Expect him to get familiar with more positions in the near future.