The Mets quickly filled their void with Vidal Brujanwho had his contract optioned before Sunday’s game against the Angels. The team announced a first baseman Eric Wagaman he was assigned to clear the area of 40 men in Brujan. Striker Ronny Mauricio was placed on the 10-day IL with a broken thumb, opening up room on the big league club.
Brujan rode this offseason, staying with the Mets after being DFAed by the Twins and then the Braves. He met a similar fate with New York after not being able to earn an Opening Day roster spot, but he snuck in with a waiver this time. The 28-year-old had a wRC+ of 62 in 24 games at Triple-A Syracuse.
It’s been several years, but Brujan was once the top prospect in the Rays system. He debuted with Tampa Bay in 2021 and spent parts of three seasons with the team. Brujan failed to provide more than versatile defense and a little speed during his time as a Ray. He was dealt to the Marlins in a minor trade in November 2023. Miami gave the longtime pitcher his longest appearance to date in the majors. Brujan slashed .222/.303/.319 in a career-high 278 plate appearances in 2024.
Brujan has major league experience at all four infield positions and all three outfield positions. He has played four games on the mound. The Mets need him in the infield, especially at shortstop, and he’s been solid there. Brujan has 4 Defensive Runs saved in 363 1/3 MLB innings at the position. He posted 2 DRS in his short time with Atlanta last season. The Mets don’t have a star shortstop Francisco Lindor for the foreseeable future as he deals with a calf strain. Mauricio was going to take over, but now he’s injured.
It’s difficult for Mauricio, who was once a hopeful for the nomination. The 25-year-old didn’t make the team in Spring Training, but he did make the mistake in early April. He came back after Lindor’s injury and took over the everyday shortstop gig. Mauricio presented his first home game of the season on Friday. He had another hit on Saturday, an infield single that loaded the bases in the tying game. Mauricio went head first into the bag in the game, resulting in a thumb injury.
Manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters, including Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, that Mauricio is expected to miss 6-8 weeks. Bo Bichette slipped to shortstop yesterday after Mauricio was removed, with Brett Baty going to third base. The former shortstop for the Blue Jays has pitched 17 innings this season.
The Mets released Wagaman from the Twins’ layoff earlier this week. He faced the big league team the Thursday after that Luis Robert Jr. hit the injured list. Wagaman was put back on the floor on Friday, as a new application was made Andy Ibanez to join the club.
Wagaman spoke briefly with the Angels in 2024. He signed with the Marlins through 2025 and stumbled into a full-time gig early on. Wagaman posted a paltry 85 wRC+ in 140 games with Miami. He pitched below average and had four steals, but didn’t provide the power typically associated with infielders, with nine home runs and a .128 ISO. Wagaman posted a -1 DRS in 862 1/3 innings at the cold corner.
Photo courtesy of Sam Navarro, Imagn Images
