2 free agents and 1 trade target to replace Ronny Mauricio on the roster

Citi Field was built on an ancient burial ground. It’s the only way to explain the New York Mets. Ronny Mauricio suffered a torn ACL and the timetable for his return, while unknown, isn’t so great. The Mets are now expected to look externally for some help.

This goes against what the Mets had planned. A competition between Mauricio and Brett Baty and maybe even Mark Vientos and someone else was going to happen in the spring then continue into the regular season. Rather than just hand the third base job over to Baty, the Mets will reportedly at least try to find someone to fight for starts.

The crop of third base options after Matt Chapman, who won’t compete for any innings at third base, is limited. What can the Mets do to replace Mauricio on the roster?

Justin Turner suddenly makes more sense than ever

Justin Turner was already a logical fit to become the team’s DH. The Mauricio news should have them making him their primary choice. Although he shifted away from playing much third base last year, his presence on the roster can provide them with a little more of a safety net in case of injury or Baty just isn’t reliable enough.

In fact, the Mets could conceivably sign Turner and someone else from this list if they chose. A lot might depend on how they feel about Vientos and some of the other optional players they currently have. It’s not preposterous for the Mets to begin the year with only four outfielders. Jeff McNeil is already built in to play there whenever needed.

Why it works: Turner can start at third once or twice a week and another time at first base while giving Pete Alonso a day at the DH spot. Having Joey Wendle around is defensive insurance for the Mets in case Turner really is at the stage of his career where offense is all he can offer. On a one or two-year deal, Turner isn’t getting in the way of the rest of the roster either. He proved he can still hit. There are no real cons to this one because if the Mets see an opening, they can add one of these other players to the roster as well.