The New York Mets’ spring training started off with a bang, as Juan Soto launched a home run in his first at-bat, sparking excitement among fans. However, just a day later, manager Carlos Mendoza delivered unfortunate news: depth infielder Nick Madrigal had dislocated his left shoulder while fielding a ball. Madrigal will undergo an MRI to determine the full extent of the injury.
Madrigal had been brought in to replace Jose Iglesias, a key contributor to the Mets’ NLCS run last season. The team let Iglesias walk in free agency after contract negotiations fell through, hoping that Madrigal would fill the void. Unfortunately, Madrigal’s injury means the Mets could be back to square one in terms of infield depth.
Madrigal had started at shortstop during Sunday’s game against the Washington Nationals but left the game in the first inning. Wyatt Young, a 25-year-old prospect, came in to finish the game.
With Madrigal potentially out for an extended period, the Mets may need to sign another depth infielder to break camp with the team. One option could be bringing Iglesias back on a one-year deal, but if he decides to sign elsewhere, the Mets will need to look at other alternatives to strengthen their infield.
The injury setback raises questions about the Mets’ infield depth as they gear up for the 2025 season. If Madrigal is out for an extended period, the team will have to act quickly to ensure they have the necessary depth to remain competitive.