Ronny Mauricio Sticks At Shortstop—For Now

Francisco Lindor’s 10-year contract extension worth $341 million all but assures that Ronny Mauricio’s future with the Mets will be at a position other than shortstop.

But Mets officials also aren’t in a hurry to move the 20-year-old Mauricio, the organization’s top infield prospect. Mauricio was playing shortstop at High-A Brooklyn.

“We are leaving him at shortstop for the moment, because a lot of tools and traits he needs to work on are going to transfer to third (base) or second or anywhere else he may play,” Mets director of player development Jeremy Barnes said.  

“Versatility is a real important thing, especially with Lindor and his new contract. It’s something we are going to be easing him into and doing.”

Being stationed behind highly-skilled shortstops is nothing new for the 6-foot-3, 166-pound Mauricio.

Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez were ahead of him on the organizational depth chart before they were traded to the Indians in the deal that yielded Lindor and Carlos Carrasco last winter.

“I think he has so many skills in the infield,” Barnes said, “but he’s one of those guys who is so athletic and has so many tools (that) I think if we made the decision to go any route, he would be fine.”

Mauricio, who signed out of the Dominican Republic in July 2017, had four homers in all of 2019 for Low-A Columbia. He matched that total in his first nine games playing for Brooklyn this season.

“He got a lot bigger and stronger this offseason. When you watch him play, he stands out in a uniform out there,” Barnes said. “He has really matured in the past year.

“For him it’s about swinging at the pitch he wants to swing at, (because) the power and tools are there. It’s just making sure he can hone his craft and swing at the pitches he wants to swing at and making sure he is dictating his at-bats, as opposed to being so reactive.”