Ronny Mauricio might remain one of those players whose true level we never quite get a clear read on. Thrust into a potential opportunity to cover for Francisco Lindor while he recovered from a calf issue, Mauricio instead landed on the injured list himself after suffering a fractured thumb. It leaves the familiar question hanging over his development: is he actually part of the Mets’ long term plans, or just another prospect the organization once talked up without ever seeing fully break through at the major league level?
The injury came in an unfortunate and somewhat avoidable moment, as Mauricio hurt himself sliding into first base, an action players are typically advised against. With him now sidelined, the Mets are once again forced to consider alternatives at shortstop. The situation becomes even more complicated if they decide to keep Bo Bichette at the position, should he remain in the picture, which would push the search even further outward.
Within the organization, the internal choices are limited. Vidal Brujan stands out as one of the more realistic fill in options, though he hardly represents a long term solution or a major upgrade. Because of that, attention naturally shifts beyond the roster, where another familiar name has surfaced in connection to the Mets.
That name is Paul DeJong, a former Yankees minor league signing who recently became available after opting out of his deal. DeJong struggled at Triple A, hitting just .203, and with no promotion on the horizon, he chose to re enter free agency. Now 32 years old, he is well removed from his peak years, but last season suggested he still has something left to offer.
Across his career, DeJong has been a low average hitter, carrying a lifetime mark of .229. His most recent big league stint with the Washington Nationals saw him hit .228, continuing a pattern of modest production paired with high strikeout totals and limited on base ability. Still, he has remained a recognizable name for Mets fans for an unusual reason: he has consistently performed well against them.
Against New York pitching, DeJong has posted a strong .294 batting average with a 1.000 plus OPS, creating the impression of a player who somehow always elevates his game in this specific matchup. Much of that damage has come away from Citi Field, but even in Queens he has shown power, hitting seven home runs in 68 plate appearances despite only a .250 average there.
Defensively, his recent numbers are serviceable rather than outstanding. He posted a positive outs above average mark at shortstop last season and was slightly below average at third base. While he would not approach Francisco Lindor’s defensive value, he could still project as steadier than Bo Bichette at short and possibly more reliable than Mauricio based on what has been seen so far.
Offensively, DeJong also fits a profile the Mets have reportedly sought at times, a right handed power hitter. Even though his home run total dipped last season, he still hit 24 home runs in 2024, showing there is still some pop in his bat.
It is not a perfect solution by any means, and it would not fundamentally change the trajectory of the roster. At best, it would be a short term patch, the kind of move that feels more like roster noise in a season already filled with uncertainty.