Despite being 15 games over .500 (37-22), the New York Mets have struggled to find offensive consistency this year. This development has led some to clamor for the elevation of prospect Ronnie Mauricio from Triple-A to the big-league club.
However, the Mets already have a glut at second and third base, with Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, Jeff McNeil, and Luisangel Acuna all vying for time. Adding another young player to the mix without guaranteed action is a suboptimal solution.
The reality is that New York has four promising young players for two positions. Some of how the Mets navigate this issue is dependent on where the club sits in the standings at the trade deadline, how the involved players perform in the next couple of months, and what direction the Mets are leaning in terms of retaining Pete Alonso should he opt out of his deal after the season (a likely scenario).
Here's a quick look at the involved players and the likely variables that David Stearns and his team will be taking into account as decisions loom.
The most established of the quartet after a tremendous 2024 season, Vientos's weak defensive play at third base has him verging hard toward permanent-designated hitter territory -- never an ideal scenario when you're 25 years old. He's struggled with plate discipline thus far this season, hitting .232 with six homers and 21 RBIs in 185 at bats. Last season, he delivered 27 long balls and drove in 71 runs in just 413 at bats, batting at a .266 clip and serving as the team's most dangerous postseason hitter.
Why the Mets might want to trade him: If Alonso is retained (a somewhat likely scenario), a transition to first base is blocked for Vientos. If the club values Baty's more well-rounded game at third, Vientos becomes dependent on full-time DH play to justify his role -- which may not be viable if he doesn't come around offensively to at least hold off a platoon. Other teams may look hard at his 2024 season and feel that's the version of Vientos they can build on and offer something of intrigue.
Why the Mets might want to keep him: Vientos is a home-grown talent who showed what's possible last year. He's almost certainly going to get going offensively (he's showing signs of less pressing at the plate recently), he can improve defensively, and he has the longest track record of sustained strong play of this quartet.
After an awful start to the season necessitated another stint in AAA, he has broken through since his return. In the past 30 games, Baty's hit .281 with six homers and 20 RBIs, often serving as the team's most consistent bat. The power seems to be coming around (12 extra-base hits in 120 at bats), he's emerged as a plus defender at third base, and he's a key left-handed bat in the lineup.
Why the Mets might want to trade him: His value may never be higher than it is right now and separating him from Vientos (while creating room for Ronnie Mauricio) feels like a necessity at some point.
Why the Mets might want to keep him: Despite seeming like's had a million chances to win the third-base job, Baty is still just 25 years old. If Stearns & Co. sense he is finally coming into his own and realizing his potential, he may be too valuable a commodity. He's the most natural third baseman and the most well-rounded player of the group, and he offers positional flexibility with the chops to play some second base.
After hitting three homers in just 39 at bats at the end of last year and then winning NL Rookie of the Month honors for April, Acuna has come back to earth in a big way since. He's hitting just .133 over the past 15 games and overall is at .246 without a homer in 130 at bats, with an awful .298 OBP. His playing time has diminished, though he has been important in roles as a pinch runner and defensive replacement.
Why the Mets might want to trade him: Acuna rarely barrels the ball and offers little to no power, so New York may see a ceiling to his potential. He also brings name recognition, leading to the chance that another team sees a clearly defined role and path to starting for him.
Why the Mets might want to keep him: At just 23 years old, Acuna likely needs more seasoning in the minors and likely has more to offer than we've seen. His speed is a differentiator, he's been better defensively than anticipated (he looks natural at second base, which is unique in this group), and he brings an aggression and energy to the park. Some talent evaluators think he'll eventually unlock more power, and overall, it feels too early to part with that potential.
The towering Mauricio stands 6-4, 166 pounds, and brings an intriguing skill set. He's coming off a serious knee injury, but in just nine games at Triple-A Syracuse, he's hit .515 with three homers, eight RBIs, and four steals in only 33 at bats. He saw some time with the Mets in 2023, contributing six extra-base hits in 101 at bats.
Why the Mets might want to trade him: He's still considered one of the most promising prospects in the organization, but he may have a difficult path to consistent playing time with New York. Mauricio also may not have a clearly defined position.
Why the Mets might want to keep him: There is a sense that he has the highest ceiling of this group, with a rare blend of speed and power. He's versatile enough to play multiple positions (eventually even the outfield), has the natural power and bat speed that franchises prize, and he's still working his way back into shape. Mauricio just turned 24 years old, so it's possible you'd be trading him at his lowest value.
Prediction:
I feel New York will eventually send Acuna down to the minors for more consistent playing time and bring up Mauricio for some major-league at bats. I just don't see the Mets trading any of these four at the deadline, instead waiting to see how the rest of the season unfolds before coming to some determinations about roster possibilities in the offseason.
This is a good problem to have, but I think reality dictates that either Vientos or Baty will have to find their future in a different uniform.
