What a winter for Mets prospect Ronny Mauricio. The 21 year old was named the Most Valuable Player in the Dominican Winter League.
Mauricio led the league in RBIs (31) and doubles (15). He was second in home runs (5), stolen bases (11), and OPS (.803).
Mauricio played his traditional shortstop and receiver time at third base and second for Tigers de Licey.
Mauricio has fallen down prospect boards after he’s shown a lack of plate discipline and consistent offensive prowess in the minors but this kind of performance could put him back up.
Mauricio has been in the Mets minors system since 2018. The Dominican Republic native is a switch-hitting shortstop that ranks as the Mets No. 6 prospect per MLB Pipeline. When he signed with the Mets he was the No. 11 international prospect. He has yet to reach his full potential but this run in LIDOM is showing what he could be capable of.
Still, the most interesting part of Mauricio’s winter was his defensive versatility.
Mauricio has never played third or second base in the Mets system. he has 313 starts at shortstop and 36 starts at DH.
Mauricio has the frame to play at third. At six feet three inches, Mauricio has the size but he lacks the speed to play shortstop. Third base could allow him to reach his full potential.
Baseball America listed Mauricio as the player with the best infield arm in the organization. Still, they projected him to be in right field during the 2026 season.
Obviously the Mets have no need to rush Mauricio up to the majors with short being occupied by Francisco Lindor but it could mean more for his development if Brett Batyis unable to defend at third at a high level.
Mauricio still projects to be a shortstop one day and makes up for a lack of speed with great instincts. But whether this defensive change is motivated by the Mets or by his LIDOM manager is unknown. He’s been a hot name in trade proposals for some time and this could spark some new interest.
