The Mets are down at least one-third of their competitors for the starting third base job in 2024 after announcing that Ronny Mauricio suffered a torn ACL while playing Dominican Winter League ball on Sunday.
With surgery needed, a lengthy absence is upcoming for the 22-year-old, who had a legitimate shot of securing the everyday job at the hot corner. It was initially believed that he would battle it out with Brett Baty for the starting gig with Mark Vientos another potential option.
But Mauricio being put on the shelf could prompt the Mets to look outside the organization for help at the position, which was something president of baseball operations David Stearns initially said would not happen. Between the trio of Mauricio, Baty, and Vientos, along with newly signed utility infielder Joey Wendle, there were enough options to keep the position afloat.
Now, not so much.
Ronny Mauricio injury: Mets youngster has torn ACL, requires surgery
On the open market, there is a familiar bearded face in Justin Turner who could bolster the position.
The 39-year-old is still plenty productive with the bat. Last season with the Boston Red Sox, he posted an .800 OPS with 23 home runs and 96 RBI primarily as a designated hitter.
It’s par for the course for the veteran, who ever since leaving the Mets after a three-plus-year stint from 2010-2013 has slashed .293/.371/.486 (.857 OPS) with 162-game averages of 24 home runs and 89 RBI over the last 10 years — nine of them coming with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He played only seven games at third base last season and just 66 before in 2022. Given his age, there will be obvious and understandable questions about his range and viability defensively, but he won’t have to be an everyday option.
Turner could potentially check off two boxes should there be a return to Queens. The Mets are in dire need of legitimate contributions from the DH spot after the failed experiments of Darin Ruf and Daniel Vogelbach. Slotting him in that role ensures the option of keeping him fresh in what will be his 16th pro season.
Such a move could then allow Stearns to find a left-fielder who can also get reps at DH in a rotation that would also feature DJ Stewart.
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