A notable MLB insider believes it is a lock that a specific New York Mets prospect will force his way into being a starter in 2025 and possibly push young star Mark Vientos out of third base.
There is a ton of excitement surrounding the Mets heading into the 2025 season. They stunned the baseball world by reaching the NLCS in October. Then they made some major moves to boost their chances of reaching the World Series this year. Including a record-shattering contract being given to former New York Yankees star Juan Soto.
Yet, what makes New York so interesting is while they have several veteran All-Stars they also have a few potential rising stars on the roster. Third baseman Mark Vientos had a breakout season in 2024, and catcher Francisco Alvarez has the potential to be a perennial All-Star. However, the organization has more high-end prospects ready to make an impact this year.
One of the most notable is infielder Ronny Mauricio. He would have had a chance to start last season if not for a torn ACL in winter ball sidelining him for a year. The 24-year-old is not expected to be ready for opening day. However, MLB Network insider Tom Verducci claimed on Monday that his talent is so undeniable he is a near lock to force his way into a starting spot midway through the season.
Ronny Mauricio a lock to play every day at third or DH for New York Mets in 2025?
“He’s an X-factor to me,” Verducci began by saying. “He’s healthy but he’s progressing towards that full health. He missed all of last season with that knee injury. So he’s not going to be an opening-day guy for the Mets. Here’s what I believe you can expect. Sometime during the middle of the season, Mauricio is going to force his way into this lineup. He’s got nothing to prove in Triple-A except just go there and play and get the reps.
“I am telling you, this guy in the second half of the season is going to be a difference-maker. How does he fit in? Likely at third base — giving Vientos some DH at-bats– or at DH. He’s a potential 20-20 guy in the big leagues. With tremendous pop in his bat. And he’s turning 24-years-old. He’s ready to play. I think he’s key in terms of deepening this Mets lineup.”
The Dominican prospect finished the 2023 and 2024 seasons ranked as the sixth-best prospect in the New York Mets farm system on MLB.com. In 26 games late in the 2023 season he showed his upside on offense by hitting two homers, knocking in seven, and stealing seven bases.