Is this the winter of Ronny?

Mets prospect Ronny Mauricio has arguably been the MVP of the Dominican Winter League.

Now he’s adding a new level to his game, appearing at third base in his last three games.

Mauricio, 21, 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 30-game run in LIDOM is showing what he could be capable of.

In 30 games, Mauricio has a .317/.356/.492 slash line and the second-higest OPS (.848) of any player. Mauricio has added three home runs, 25 RBIs, and 12 doubles.

But that terrific slash line does come with an asterisk. He’s still striking out at a high rate (26 times in 126 at-bats) with only six walks. Plate discipline doesn’t improve overnight but he’s consistently had poor K-BB ratios in the minors.

The more intriguing part of his recent play has been the three consecutive games at the hot corner.

Mauricio has never played third 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 Baty is 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.