The New York Mets were almost looking to fire it up going into spring training. But their long-term aspirations were cut short after the pitching lineup was hit with injuries. While they already have a place or two on the roster for grabs, infielder Nick Madrigal News blew it all away.
As the team informed the media, Madrigal will require surgery on his fractured left shoulder. This unfortunate injury occurred during a game when Madrigal dislocated his shoulder while making a throw. The situation seems ugly as the California-born righty is expected to sideline him for the entire 2025 season.
After an MRI confirmed the fracture, the Mets acted swiftly, placing him on the 60-day injured list and indicating they did not anticipate his return in the early part of the season. While there is a faint hope that he could return late in the year, the team is likely preparing for a long absence.
Madrigal’s absence leaves a noticeable gap in the Mets’ infield depth and puts pressure on the organization to find a suitable replacement. The team had signed him to a one-year deal after he was non-tendered by the Cubs. New York appreciated his defensive abilities and the option to send him to the minors if needed. With Madrigal now unavailable, the Mets face the challenge of reconfiguring their bench.
Who Could Replace Nick Madrigal In The Mets Lineup?
With Nick Madrigal sidelined for the entire season, the New York Mets find themselves scouting for a suitable replacement to fill the vacant bench spot. Early spring training performances have put Brett Baty in the spotlight as a strong candidate.
Baty has an impressive .545 over four games, including two home runs and three RBIs. His explosive start suggests he is not only ready for a bench role but might be able to contribute meaningfully when called upon.
Another player vying for this spot is Luisangel Acuna, who had a promising September call-up last year. While he has proved his mettle by hitting three home runs in limited action, Acuna has struggled in spring training. He has managed only one hit in seven at-bats thus far. His prior success could resonate with the coaching staff, but he will need to improve his performance to overtake Baty.
The Mets also have non-roster invitees, Luis De Los Santos and Donovan Walton, in the mix. Although both have struggled in spring training as well. Their Major League experience might offer some reassurance, but without tangible results this spring, it’s unclear if they can definitively claim the open spot.
Various social media users bashed the Mets for adding Madrigal rather than re-signing Iglesias. The veteran infielder hit a career-high .337 with four home runs and 26 RBI for the Mets last year.
Others sympathized with Madrigal.
“Talk about awful luck,” an X (formerly Twitter) user noted. “Fielded one ground ball. Did not play even one half inning. Has zero ABs. And poof. Done.”
“I know a lot of people want Iglesias back but this is rough for Madrigal to not even make it to the regular season before his season is over,” added another.
One poster compared Madrigal and new Mets starting pitcher Frankie Montas, who is out indefinitely with a high-grade right lat strain. Montas signed a two-year, $34 million deal in December.
“Such a useless signing,” an X commenter said of Madrigal.
Various fans suggested the Mets finally bring Iglesias back. The 35-year-old Iglesias remains unsigned as of publication.
“Hope he gets better but if this [isn’t] a sign from the baseball gods to bring back Iglesias then I don’t know what is,” one X poster wrote.
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