Mets ‘X Factor’ Nears Return From Lengthy Recovery
ANew York Mets infielder nearly 18 months removed from his last Major League action could be “a difference maker” for the team in 2025.
Ronny Mauricio, a bright spot for the Mets during his rookie season in 2023, suffered a torn ACL in his right knee while playing Dominican Winter Ball in December 2023. Major surgery was deemed necessary, and a second, arthroscopic surgery would take place in August 2024 to remove a mass of scar tissue.
“After that second operation, I was able to feel completely much better,” Mauricio said through an interpreter. “I had that freedom that I didn’t have before.”
There would still be several months of rehab before Maurico could resume baseball activities, but he was able to get some playing time during Winter Ball, and MLB Network analyst Tom Verducci said Mauricio “actually tore it up in a small sample size.” When Mauricio picked up a bat at spring training in February, the switch-hitter clubbed homers from both sides of the plate and showed glimpses of what has made him such an exciting prospect for the Mets.
“It’s been a long time,” Mauricio said to MLB.com a few days after that workout. “I do finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m very excited for that moment when I’m able to come back.”
