Through the Mets’ first six spring training games, Ronny Mauricio has been the talk of the town. In his first six at-bats, the Mets’ sixth-ranked prospect had launched two tape-measure home runs. Pinch-hitting in the ninth inning on Wednesday, Mauricio connected for his third home run in just seven at-bats in the Mets’ 8-4 win over the Miami Marlins.
The home run, like the first two, was a no-doubter. The ball traveled 413 feet and had an exit velocity of 105.6 mph. After hitting his first home run 450 feet and now hitting two 413-foot shots, Mauricio is showing off the power that has made him one of the Mets’ most exciting prospects.
Ronny Mauricio has three homers in four days. Here they are. pic.twitter.com/pEY8wucwz7
— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) March 1, 2023
After spending all of 2022 in Double-A Binghamton playing shortstop exclusively, Mauricio appeared ticketed for Triple-A Syracuse in 2023. With Francisco Lindor locked in at shortstop for the Mets for the next nine years, he played third base for nine games and a couple at second base during the Dominican Winter League season. On top of adding positional versatility, the 21-year-old took home the league’s MVP award after slashing .287/.335/.468 with five home runs over 46 games.
Mauricio came into this spring with a slim chance to make the Opening Day roster. That likely won’t change as Brett Baty, who has gotten off to a strong start of his own with a home run and four hits in nine at-bats, is ahead of him on the third base depth chart. His Ruthian start has made it more difficult to rule it out entirely.
“He’s like a lot of our young players,” Buck Showalter said following Wednesday’s win. “They’re off to a good start in the spring. I’m proud of him.”
With Lindor departing soon to represent Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, Mauricio should have a legitimate shot to prove himself with extended playing time at shortstop this spring. It is unlikely that he will play himself into being a regular on the left side of the Mets’ infield in 2023, but a strong spring could help the Mets see what they have in Mauricio.