Mets lose Ronny Mauricio to torn ACL. Where does depth chart stand?

The excitement surrounding Mets rookie infielder Ronny Mauricio ahead of the 2024 season took an agonizing turn before he could hit the field

According to a report from SNY's Andy Martino, Mauricio suffered a torn ACL during play in the Dominican Winter League. The injury will require surgery.

There had been high hopes for the 22-year-old, who finished the season as the Mets' fourth-ranked prospect, in 2024 after he was featured prominently between second and third base following his September call-up and Major League Baseball debut.

In 26 games down the stretch last season, the switch-hitting native of the Dominican Republic slashed .248/.296/.347 with two home runs, nine RBI, 11 runs and seven stolen bases.

During his first month of the major league season, the 6-foot-3 Mauricio showcased his hit tool, with 24 balls ripped over 100 mph. Mauricio's first career hit sailed 117.3 mph to the warning track in right field on Sept. 1 as the hardest hit ball of the Mets' season to that point.

Now, the buzz surrounding Mauricio's potential spark has been extinguished. And the Mets, who may have been counting on Mauricio as a depth piece at three infield positions, could need to look elsewhere to provide infield depth.

The Mets' current depth chart sees Brett Baty factoring at third base following a topsy-turvy rookie season when he struggled to a .598 OPS with nine home runs and 34 RBI in 108 games. Mark Vientos, who posted a .620 OPS with nine home runs, 22 RBI and 19 runs in 65 games could also be in the equation.

President of baseball operations David Stearns also brought on board veteran infielder Joey Wendle on a one-year, $2 million deal in late November. But Wendle batted just .220 himself last season.

The Mets could bolster their third base depth in free agency, where Justin Turner, Gio Urshela and Isiah Kiner-Falefa stand out as options.