The ‘motivation’ fueling Ronny Mauricio as his quest for Mets breakthrough continues

DUNEDIN, Fla. — Is this the year Ronny Mauricio breaks through?

From the moment he was first called up in September 2023 and immediately hit a ball 117 mph, the Mets have been waiting for the performance to match the potential.

He was slowed by a torn ACL suffered while playing winter ball in late ’23, which cost him all of ’24 and part of ’25.

Now, Mauricio is healthy and trying to make sure he has a role this year after spending much of last September on the bench.

“I use that as a source of motivation,” Mauricio said, through an interpreter, of spending much of the stretch run on the bench last season. “Last year, when I wasn’t playing, I was able to step back and see things I needed to improve in my game if I want to be on the field and be able to help the team.”

According to Mauricio, who turns 25 in April, there were plenty of areas on which to focus.

“I want to control the strike zone and work on my defense,” Mauricio said.

More than anything, though, he wants to make sure he remains in one piece.

“I have to stay healthy,” Mauricio said. “I’m hitting the gym as much as possible to stay fresh for the whole season. I feel more stable now.”

The knee injury cost Mauricio plenty.

He’s eager to put it behind him, which he’s confident he’ll be able to do this spring.

“I want to maintain my speed and be the type of player I know I’m capable of being,” Mauricio said. “I want to return to the type of player I was before the injury.”

Carlos Mendoza wants to see that from Mauricio, as well, noting that his biggest takeaway from the young player this spring is that he’s back in good form physically.

“He’s healthy,” the Mets manager said. “When you watch him take ground balls [and] the way he’s moving around, there’s no limitations there now. He’s free. He’s happy to finally be a full-time player for us without any restriction.”

In Monday’s 4-3 win over Toronto, Mauricio started at third, walked, and ran the bases with abandon.

With Francisco Lindor out due to a hamate-bone fracture, there’s even more of an opportunity for Mauricio to contribute and show the Mets he belongs not just on the roster but on the field.

That might be tougher when they are at full strength and have Lindor back at shortstop, with Jorge Polanco at first base, Marcus Semien at second and Bo Bichette at third.

Mauricio nonetheless wants to give them something to think about.

“The last two years, I haven’t been able to have a real spring training because [of the injury],” Mauricio said. “I want to show I can play wherever the team needs me: second, third or short.”