After the New York Mets’ first losing streak of the season, it is clear why they have been losing. There has been a massive lack of offense, including no power and a lack of getting on base. The solution? Perhaps the Mets should call up a big, powerful bat who has been performing well so far in Triple-A.
Help Could Soon Be On the Way for the Mets
The Mets Have Another Power Bat In Triple-A
As the season continues for the Mets, the power that New York expected from Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, and Mark Vientos has been lacking, to say the least. Soto has been blamed too much, yet at the same time, he is on pace for a career low of 25 home runs. Alonso hasn’t hit a home run in ten years, while Vientos is on pace for a cute 16 home runs.
Solution number one would be to start hitting those crucial home runs again, and even though everyone knows that the Mets will eventually begin to hit for power again, the problem remains large. At the moment, one position that has lacked power is center field. This position for New York is a great defensive position, but it still lacks power with just one home run this season coming from New York’s center fielders.
Even though Ronny Mauricio has never even played the position, there is no doubt that he can man the position, as he is a very versatile player. Oh, and Mauricio’s power numbers? 20 homers in 2021, 26 in 2022, and 23 in 2023. Combine that with insane defense, speed, and bat velo, he might remind you of someone.
Mauricio Could Be Better Than Other Options
Now, if New York decides to call up Mauricio, which does seem likely since he is major league ready, Mauricio could be a better choice than Luisangel Acuna and Starling Marte. Mauricio is fast and agile like Acuna, and of course, has much more power than Acuna. Since Acuna is the Mets’ number one utility man at the moment, he could be in question if he continues to decline with his numbers.
The number one player that could be sent down in case of a Mauricio call-up isn’t Acuna. Instead, New York could send down the outfield utility man, Jose Azocar. Azocar hasn’t seen very many games this season and wouldn’t be as effective as Mauricio. In addition to Azocar, if Marte continues to collapse like a house of cards, then he too is in serious trouble.
Mauricio is also a switch-hitter, making him an even more dangerous player. Mauricio’s quickness, power, ability to switch-hit, and overall being a tool make him a prime player to call up at any point during the regular season.
Mauricio Has a Massive Ceiling
Mauricio reminds me a bit of Elly De La Cruz. Mauricio might as well be called the potential De La Cruz. Mauricio can steal, hit for power, switch-hit, play shortstop, and last but not least, strike out a ton. Even though the final characteristic isn’t exactly good, having a potential De La Cruz is good. Mauricio has a massive ceiling, as in the future, if Mauricio remains healthy, there could be 20-30 home run seasons.
Mauricio is 6’4’’ with some serious exit velocity. In 2023, Mauricio’s first hit of his career came in at 117 MPH, while his first homer was also in triple digits and was a 440 FT bomb. As long as Mauricio doesn’t strike out left and right, literally, Mauricio is going to be a major problem and there is no doubt New York will soon go to Mauricio to provide them with some nice power.
As New York attempts to stop losing with bad offensive play, there remains a potential answer to the pressing offensive question. Mauricio might just be the next Elly De La Cruz. Something that New York needs and wants.
Main Image: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
