New York Mets Star Prospect Struggles in Third Base Debut

It's been an interesting September for the New York Mets. On the outside of the playoff picture, the front office started calling up some of their top prospects to see how they perform at the Major League level.

That included their No. 4 prospect Ronny Mauricio, who has been spectacular since getting the call.

On Friday, the Mets were able to evaluate him in what could become his future position in the MLB.

Mauricio made his debut at third base for the first time since arriving in New York after playing all previous 10 games at second base.

The 22-year-old is a shortstop prospect, but with Francisco Lindor under contract through the 2031 season, Mauricio will have to find a new position.

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, he wants that position to be third base.

It's a position that feels more natural to him than second base considering it's on the same side of the field as shortstop.

However, his debut at that position on Friday saw him have some struggles.

Mauricio made an error in the fifth inning, not being able to field a ball cleanly. The next inning, he couldn't track down a ball that went under his glove.

The prospect was able to flash in the eighth inning when he fielded a grounder and threw out a runner at first from behind the third base bag.

Overall, it was a mixed result in his debut at the position.

With 15 games left on the schedule and multiple other prospects to look at, how many other opportunities he gets at third is undetermined.

Mauricio continues to make a push for the 2024 Opening Day roster with his success at the plate. Where he fits into the defensive scheme is yet to be seen.