Blue Jays Star Could Be In Mix For Mets This Offseason After Unfortunate Injury

New York will be looking to add a new third baseman after a tough injury

It sounds like the New York Mets will need to add a new third baseman this offseason.

New York entered the offseason expecting exciting youngster Ronny Mauricio to play a major role in 2024. He made the jump to the big leagues towards the end of the 2023 season and was expected to play a lot of third base for the team next season.

Mets fans will have to wait likely until 2025 to see him play again after he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in a Dominican Winter League game. Now, New York reportedly will look to bring in a new third baseman, according to The Athletic's Will Sammon.

"The expectation now is that the Mets will look at external options even though they have others who can play third base," Sammon said. "It's possible the Mets explore the trade market as a means to find a way to upgrade the position, too. Any newcomer would likely be more of a supplementary piece to add to what they already have.

"Mauricio injured his knee while leading off first base in a game in the Dominican Winter League. The 22-year-old was playing in the league for the fourth straight offseason; he was named its (Most Valuable Player) last year, using the winter season to springboard into an excellent season at Triple-A to earn a late-season promotion to the majors."

One player who could end up making sense for the Mets this offseason is former Toronto Blue Jays slugger Matt Chapman. He has been mentioned as a fit on multiple occasions but would be a major addition rather than a supplementary piece. 

It's too early to tell if a move is possible, but it wouldn't be surprising. If the Mets were to miss out on stars like Yoshinobu Yamamoto or other starters like Blake Snell, maybe the team could turn its focus to landing a star and Chapman could make sense.