1 Mets prospect that will be a star, 1 that won't, and 1 that will just be serviceable

Won't be a star: Ronny Mauricio

Signed as a 16-year-old prospect out of the Dominican Republic, Ronny Mauricio has burst onto the scene as a top prospect for the Mets. Mauricio has always had speed and had many extra-base hits as an amateur player for the Mets prior to the minor league cancelled season in 2020. Since then, Mauricio has developed home run potential, belting 26 in 2022 and 25 between the majors and minors in 2023.

While the offensive potential is without question, Maurico's defense is suspect at best. He has played almost every inning of his minor league career at shortstop, with the one exception being at second base this past season. His 25 errors at shortstop in 2022 and 7 errors in just 27 games in 2023 are alarming to evaluators in the organization. Mauricio played third base in the Dominican Winter League in 2022 and saw limited action there in 2023 as this route may be his best path towards an everyday role.

Mauricio will not be a star for the Mets given his lack of defensive potential and drastically low OBP throughout his minor league career. Though Mauricio hit many home runs in 2023, hie only drew 35 walks in 532 plate appearances. In 5 minor league seasons, Mauricio's OBP has been a meek .311. The struggles in the field and lack of plate discipline can draw the best comparison to Amed Rosario, who has become a solid role player but not a star with Cleveland or Los Angeles. For Mauricio to reach a higher ceiling, his maturity at the plate needs to grow in 2024.