With the roster expansion near, the Mets will reportedly promote INF/OF Ronny Mauricio to the Majors after a relatively strong 2023 campaign in the Minors. One of the top prospects in the Mets system, Mauricio does have his question marks. But, he also has one of the best power tools in the Minor Leagues. Here’s a closer look at the 22-year-old.
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A Look at Mauricio
Mets prospect Ronny Mauricio didn’t light up the stat sheets in his first taste of full-season ball in 2019 — but he did intrigue. As an 18-year-old, Mauricio hit .268 with four home runs and 29 extra base hits. over 116 games with Columbia (A). The 6’3” infielder impressed many as he held his own and public scouting reports indicated that he could grow as a power hitter.
That happened, as Mauricio belted 20 home runs in 2021 between Brooklyn (A+) and Binghamton (AA). The now-22-year-old cranked 26 with the Rumble Ponies last year, before a relatively strong 2023 season with Syracuse (AAA).
Across 116 games, Mauricio hit .292/.346/.506 with 23 home runs, 24 stolen bases, and 56 extra base hits in Syracuse. While the 22-year-old’s batting average did slide down after he hit .348 over his first 48 contests, his numbers were strong.
Mauricio’s skillset includes above-average power, but there have been questions about whether he can work more walks and cut down on the chases. Mauricio walked a paltry 4.4% last year, and 6.6% this season. While the rise in BB% is a positive, only time will tell whether he’ll be able to adjust to Major League pitching.
Another question regarding Mauricio is what position he would play at the MLB level. The 22-year-old was a primary shortstop prior to 2023, but doubts about his speed — MLB.com grades his speed as below-average — and Francisco Lindor‘s presence made it unlikely he’d play at short in Queens.
Mauricio’s seen time at second and left field this season with Syracuse, as well as a pair of starts at third.
With Brett Baty in the Minors and an outfield that doesn’t have Mark Canha — who’s now with the Brewers — or Starling Marte, there are at-bats for Mauricio to get if the Mets plan on using him in left. Or, he could also get time at second while Jeff McNeil mans an outfield spot.
What it Means for the Mets and Fantasy Outlook
Mauricio could be considered one of the “Baby Mets,” along with two youngsters in Brett Baty and Francisco Alvarez and prospect Drew Gilbert and Luisangel Acuña, among others.
While Mauricio might not necessarily have the high ceiling that Alvarez has, he does have the potential to be an impact hitter. And if Mauricio can effectively move around the infield & outfield and give the Mets some versatility in the field, he has a chance to be a key piece for the Mets moving forward.
But in the short-term, Mauricio’s value is still yet to be determined. Fantasy players still need to be wary of how Mauricio adjusts at the MLB level. No, this isn’t because Alvarez and Baty struggled when the two first arrived in the Majors. Rather, it’s because of Mauricio’s strikeout problems in the Minors.
Be a very cautious buyer on Mauricio, but watch him carefully.
