Ronny Mauricio Keeps Making Adjustments

Shortstop Ronny Mauricio’s continued defensive improvement has elevated his stock while playing for low Class A Columbia.

“The biggest concern with him was his throwing,” said a talent evaluator who has watched the 18-year-old Mauricio over the last two seasons. “The second part was his backhand, which is a hard thing for any infielder, and that is usually the last thing that comes. He seems to grasp that pretty good right now, but his throwing has improved.”

Mauricio, who was signed by the Mets from the Dominican Republic in July 2017, committed 16 errors over 57 games in Rookie ball last season. For Columbia in his first 85 games this season he had 19 errors. His fielding percentage improved from .932 to .945.

At the plate, Mauricio was hitting .281/.319/.381 with three home runs and 24 RBIs in the South Atlantic League. He had struck out 80 times in 88 games.

“He’s just 18 years old and he’s already at a league where he is able to handle the fastball,” the evaluator said. “This kid lives on the fastball. He is still identifying breaking balls, but when you look at him, he has hand speed that allows him to get to the fastball.”

Mauricio joins talented shortstop prospects Andres Gimenez and Shervyen Newton in the Mets’ farm system. Gimenez has spent this season at Double-A Binghamton, with Newton at Columbia playing mostly second base.

“We’re really excited about (Mauricio). At his age to go to the South Atlantic League and perform at the level that he has,” farm director Jared Banner said, “it’s pretty special.

“On the field he’s demonstrated the ability to play shortstop and become more and more consistent as a defender. Offensively, we have challenged him to improve during the year in certain areas and he’s shown aptitude to make adjustments.”

NEW YORK MINUTES

— David Thompson was having a difficult transition following his promotion to Triple-A Syracuse. The third baseman had a .596 OPS in his first 41 games since arriving from Double-A Binghamton.

— Sam Haggerty has caught the attention of organizational officials with his solid work at second base for Binghamton. Haggerty had 15 stolen bases in 50 games while also playing the outfield.