Thursday Thought: Ronny Mauricio's greatest value to the Mets is the player he's traded for

The trade deadline is just a few days away and the New York Mets have moves to make. So much of recent trade talks have been about what the Mets could acquire - players like Juan Soto, Trey Mancini, David Robertson, and A.J. Puk - but what they’d need to give up is part of that discussion as well.

Ronny Mauricio is the #3 prospect in the Mets’ system and #51 in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. He’s a solid fielder at shortstop, but he’s mostly known for his power bat. Unfortunately for him, he is blocked by Francisco Lindor.

Ronny Mauricio is in a unique situation because he doesn’t have a future on the Mets

With Francisco Lindor signed to what will essentially be a lifetime contract, Mauricio won’t be playing short in Queens. Jeff McNeil is under team control through 2024, so he’ll be at second base for the near future, as long as he performs. Eduardo Escobar will be at third next year, at least until Brett Baty is ready to take over. Where is Mauricio supposed to play?

Some questions should be asked about the Mets’ player development department too. Mauricio has never played a defensive position other than shortstop. Once the Francisco Lindor extension was agreed to, why wasn’t he given reps at other positions? Last fall, I wrote about how the Mets didn’t need to re-sign Javy Baez because I thought Mauricio was the second baseman of the future. Needless to say, that’s not on the table.

The Mets’ decision to not get him reps anywhere else on the diamond telegraphs that they are trying to maximize his value by sending him elsewhere as part of an important trade.

Shortstops are among the most valued positions in the game. They’re obviously worth more in trades than any other infield position. There have already been rumors about Mauricio over the last few days. There was a reported discussion between the Mets and Cubs about a trade that would send Willson Contreras and David Robertson to New York for prospects “not named Francisco Alvarez or Brett Baty.” The Cubs need a shortstop; guess who’s next on the Mets’ prospect list? 

Mauricio could be traded by Tuesday. Or it could happen over the winter. Whatever the case may be, the Mets’ handling of his development has made it abundantly clear that Mauricio will be on the move.