Photo by Roberto Carlo

Once the Mets granted him approval to play, Ronny Mauricio has been off to the races in the Caribbean Winter League since he stepped into the batter’s box.

While the 22-year-old went 0-for-4 in his debut appearance on November 30, he’s gone 9-for-17 with three extra-base hits and two stolen bases. Through four games, he’s hitting .529/.556/.765/1.320.

The top prospect has played mostly at third base for the Tigres Del Licey, the same team where he won LIDOM MVP last season. While Mauricio’s bat has been scorching hot, his glove in the field has left little to be desired. At the hot corner, he’s committed three errors through his four games. Mauricio racked up three of those errors in just one game, and though it wasn’t ruled an error, he wasn’t able to make a play on a bases-loaded game-ending play on Tuesday night.

While the bat stays hot, it’s hard not to worry about the defense. David Stearns told the media the Mets are set at third base. Mauricio is very much a candidate to take up the mantle this year, as are Brett Baty, Joey Wendle, José Iglesias, Mark Vientos and even Jeff McNeil. It’s of the utmost importance Mauricio continues to improve his glove at third to help find his place on the Mets roster come Opening Day.