A New York Mets infielder who is over 18 months removed from his previous Major League appearance could be “a difference maker” for the organization in 2025.
Ronny Mauricio, a bright spot for the Mets during his rookie season in 2023, sustained a ruptured ACL in his right knee while playing Dominican Winter Ball in December 2023. Major surgery was judged essential, and a second arthroscopic procedure will be performed in August 2024 to remove a mass of scar tissue.
“After that second operation, I was able to feel completely much better,” Mauricio explained through an interpreter. “I had that freedom that I didn’t have before.”
Mets’ Ronny Mauricio Can See ‘Light At The End Of The Tunnel’ Following Rehabilitation
There would still be several months of recovery before Maurico could resume baseball activities, but he was able to gain some playing time during Winter Ball, and MLB Network commentator Tom Verducci stated that Mauricio “actually tore it up in a small sample size.” When Mauricio took up a bat at spring training in February, the switch-hitter homered from both sides of the plate, demonstrating why he is such an enticing prospect for the Mets.
“It’s been a long time,” Mauricio told MLB.com a few days after the session. “I can now see light at the end of the tunnel. I’m looking forward to being able to return.”
Mets officials are also excited. As a 16-year-old in 2017, Mauricio became one of the franchise’s most visible international signings. Three years later, he ranked first on the Mets’ Pipeline Top 30 list.
Given everything Mauricio has been through, the staff is cautiously confident that he will make a good comeback, but they emphasize patience.
“He missed the whole year last year, as you all know, and he’s had some setbacks,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said at the start of camp. “Right now, he’s trending in the right direction and we want to keep it that way.”
Ronny Mauricio is expected to make a significant impact for New York, according to an MLB Network analyst.
According to a video report by Mike Puma of the New York Post on February 27, Mauricio is “running at about 80 percent right now,” and he is taking batting practice and participating in drills, as the Mets hope to get him into some exhibition games before the team breaks camp in late March.
Should Mauricio be able to make his way back, Verducci believes the 23-year-old is “an X factor to me.”
“He’s healthy, but he’s working towards full health,” Verducci said on February 17. “Remember, he missed the entire season last year due to a knee injury, thus he will not be on the Mets’ opening day roster. But it’s simply a matter of going out there and playing.”
While such playing time may initially be available at Triple-A, Verducci stated that Mauricio had “nothing to prove” at that level other than to gain some experience.
“Here’s what I believe you should expect,” Verducci added. “In the middle of the season, Mauricio will force his way into this Mets lineup.
“I’m telling you, this man, the second half of the season is going to make a difference for me. Where does he fit in? Likely third base, with [Mark] Vientos getting some DH at-bats or at DH. He’s a potential 20-20 major leaguer with incredible bat power, and he’ll be 24 years old. He’s ready to play, aside from putting the reps in, and I believe he’s the key to expanding the Mets’ lineup. We all know about the top, but there will be a lot of thump in the back part of this group.”
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