CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 17: Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets looks on against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 17, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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The New York Mets have fallen to the worst record in Major League Baseball after a loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday and their brutal season hit a new low in another way as well.
Amid disappointing debuts for a range of new stars and persistent injury issues, highly touted infielder Ronny Mauricio suffered a fractured thumb and will be joining fellow shortstop Francisco Lindor on the injured list for a prolonged stint.
“Already facing the prospect of an extended absence for starting shortstop Francisco Lindor, the Mets on Saturday lost his backup, Ronny Mauricio, to a fractured left thumb,” Anthony DiComo wrote for MLB.com. “With Lindor sidelined until at least late May and possibly June, Mauricio had been starting nearly every day at shortstop.”
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However, for Mets fans seeking a silver lining as the season barrels even further off the rails, there could be some solace in the most likely shortstop replacement move for the team following the injury.
“In the absence of both Lindor and Mauricio, Bo Bichette is the most logical candidate to slide over to shortstop, his natural position,” DiComo added.
After signing a three-year, $126 million contract to join the Mets, Bichette has been moved to third base for the first time in his career. Defensively, it seems he has been adjusting pretty well, but he has struggled at the plate along with most of his new teammates and it’s possible that a move back to his old position could help matters.
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In seven seasons as the Toronto Blue Jays’ everyday shortstop, Bichette was the American League hits leader in two different seasons, earned two All-Star nods and saw four seasons of MVP Award votes. Perhaps a return to the defensive role he held with his old team could make him more comfortable at the plate as the Mets seek some momentum.
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“Whatever the team needs,” Bichette said, per ESPN.
Ultimately, what the Mets need more than anything from Bichette is a return to his typical offensive form. He is slashing just .238/.279/.323, well below his career averages. If he can turn things around offensively following a defensive return to comfort, perhaps his team can derive a positive from this latest setback.
The Mets can also consider calling up Eric Wagaman, Christian Arroyo, Jackson Cluff or Vidal Brujan to fill in for Mauricio.
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