Mar 15, 2023; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets shortstop Ronny Mauricio (60) prior to a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Spring Training-St. Louis Cardinals at New York Mets
(New York) — Mets fans finally have something to cheer about.
New York has made the decision to call up Ronny Mauricio from Triple-A Syracuse when rosters expand in September, The Post’s Joel Sherman reported Wednesday night.
The highly touted prospect has enjoyed an impressive season with Syracuse, boasting a slash line of .295/.349/.511 with an 860 OPS and 23 home runs.
The 6-3, power hitting switch-hitter also recorded 23 doubles, three triples, 71 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases.
He always has been a free swinger, though he has shown better plate discipline this season. This upcoming month will serve as a valuable challenge for the 22-year-old who is considered a crucial part of the teams future.
The big question mark? Defense.
“Defense is initially a priority with these guys,” Showalter said Wednesday’s win against the Rangers. “Got to be able to defend.
With Francisco Lindor blocking the path at short, the Mets have moved Mauricio around without a ton of success. The reports were not strong at second base, a position he began playing in April, and he moved to both third base and left field with similar, underwhelming results.
“You got to hit a whole lot to not be a good defender,” Showalter added.
Only one way to find out.
Mauricio is ranked as the fourth-best prospect in the Mets’ system and is a top-100 prospect in all of baseball.
The team may also consider calling up third baseman Brett Baty and pitchers Joey Lucchesi and Grant Hartwig from the 40-man roster.
