The New York Mets’ lineup features plenty of star power, including shortstop Francisco Lindor, first baseman Pete Alonso, and outfielder Juan Soto. But how could top prospect Ronny Mauricio find a way to make an impact in 2025?
MLB Network’s Tom Verducci made a bold prediction about the 24-year-old as he prepares to return following a torn ACL last season.
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“He’s an X-factor to me,” Verducci said in a video clip posted on X. “He’s healthy, but he’s progressing towards that full health. He missed all of last season with that knee injury, so he’s not going to be an Opening Day guy for the Mets. Here’s what I believe you can expect: Sometime during the middle of the season, Mauricio is going to force his way into this lineup. He’s got nothing to prove in Triple-A except to just go there and play and get the reps.
“I am telling you, this guy in the second half of the season is going to be a difference-maker. How does he fit in? Likely at third base — giving (Mark) Vientos some DH at-bats — or at DH. He’s a potential 20-20 guy in the big leagues with tremendous pop in his bat. And he’s turning 24 years old. He’s ready to play. I think he’s key in terms of deepening this Mets lineup.”
Vientos took advantage of finally getting an opportunity to play every day for the Mets in 2024. He hit .266/.322/.516 with 27 home runs, 22 doubles, 71 RBI and 58 runs scored in 454 plate appearances. The right-handed slugger also found another gear in the postseason, compiling a .998 OPS with five homers and 14 RBI in 13 games.
Mauricio appeared in 26 big-league games for the Mets during the 2023 season. He slashed .248/.296/.347 with two homers, four doubles, nine RBI and 11 runs scored. The switch-hitter had a 1.178 OPS in eight Dominican Winter League games before tearing his ACL last winter.
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