2 Mets prospects we're convinced will be a star, 1 on the verge of joining them
By Tim Boyle
3) NY Mets prospect Ronny Mauricio is making his case to become a star
Ronny Mauricio had been sliding down the prospect rankings for this team. Every draft has put at least one guy in front of him. Well-regarded for several years already, his numbers never really stood out. He began to hit for good power in 2021 but with a .248 batting average and .296 OBP, flaws were obvious.
Mauricio is still not quite there when compared to Alvarez and Baty in the eyes of many. His 2022 performance was impressive. He spent all year in Double-A batting .259/.296/.472 while ripping 26 doubles and just as many home runs.
For Mauricio, the question over the last few years has been where the Mets would even play him. He was previously viewed as a future shortstop candidate. Francisco Lindor is blocking him from ever doing that. Where does he fit in now?
One possibility, if he is an everyday player, is for Mauricio to become a third baseman. This would move Baty into the outfield. The Mets haven’t tried Mauricio out at other positions. It was only in the Winter League this past offseason when he saw some action at third base.
We can look at Mauricio as a potential budding star or someone whose poor plate discipline will hold him back. He has spent a lot of his professional career with an Amed Rosario-like ability to barely draw a walk. Our perception of him can change in a wild way in 2023. It all depends on how he does one level away from the majors.