4 ways Billy Eppler can screw up the trade deadline in the last 36 hours

3) Billy Eppler can screw up the NY Mets trade deadline by failing to open up spots for both Mark Vientos and Ronny Mauricio to play every day

It's time. You've thrown in the towel. You've given up on 2023. Now is when you play the kids for real.

This should've happened by now, but the Mets have held off due to them attempting to make a run at a Wild Card spot. Now that that's out of the window, it's time to play both Mark Vientos and Ronny Mauricio every day at the big league level just to even see what you have in them.

Vientos had a rough first stint with the Mets thanks somewhat to the Mets refusing to play him very much, but he's looked much better since being recalled shortly after the all-star break. Vientos has slashed .333/.391/.571 in his 21 at-bats since returning, and he just hit his first home run since coming back in his last at-bat of Saturday's game (before inevitably sitting the following afternoon).

I have absolutely no idea what to expect from Mark Vientos. His AAA numbers in each of the past two seasons have been off the charts. His MLB plate appearances haven't looked great, but they've also been few and far in between. The Mets have yet to give this kid weeks of starts in a row.

I don't believe Vientos is anything more than a DH long term, but the Mets can easily create an opening at DH by moving Daniel Vogelbach. He's played much better of late so maybe he can be traded, but even if he isn't traded the Mets can simply DFA him. It's hard to envision him being handed the keys to be the primary DH in 2024, so you might as well see if Vientos can take the reigns.

Ronny Mauricio is a player the Mets have been hesitant to call up. Plate discipline has been an issue, and his defense outside of his primary position of shortstop is suspect at best. He's played both left field and second base and hasn't looked great in either spot.

It might be frustrating to watch, but I think it's time to see what he can do. His offensive numbers in AAA this season have been quite good, and since the Mets aren't trying to win now, they can deal with mistakes. Let's see how he plays. If he's not ready, don't start him on the MLB team in 2024, it's rather simple.

The Mets focus in the next couple of months should be on trying to find players who fit into their plans in 2024 and beyond. There's no need to use players like Danny Mendick, D.J. Stewart and Daniel Vogelbach outside of the occasional start. Let the kids play now that the team is out of it.