Nick Madrigal dislocated his left shoulder in a Spring Training game between the Mets and Nationals today. While playing shortstop, he had to make an awkward move to field a ground ball. Unfortunately, he fell while trying to throw to first base, leading to the injury.
The full extent of the injury is still unclear. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza mentioned to reporters that Madrigal will undergo an MRI to assess the damage. Depending on the results, he might be sidelined for a while. If the dislocation is severe, surgery could be necessary, which might end his 2025 season early.
Last fall, the Cubs decided not to keep Madrigal, choosing not to pay his expected arbitration salary of $1.9 million. He then signed with the Mets on a split contract that allows him to earn $1.35 million if he stays on the active roster. This arrangement also gives the Mets flexibility, as they can move him to Triple-A if needed.
The Mets have a solid infield lineup with Francisco Lindor, Mark Vientos, Jeff McNeil, and newly re-signed Pete Alonso. Madrigal, being the most experienced among those vying for backup spots, may see limited playing time if he misses significant games. Instead of looking for another veteran, reports suggest the Mets might stick with their younger infielders. This could open up spots for Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuna, or Ronny Mauricio on Opening Day. Other players like Donovan Walton and Luis De Los Santos are also competing for positions on minor league deals.
Madrigal is known for his defensive skills, but his offensive performance has struggled over the past few years. Injuries have played a part in his decline. He dislocated his left shoulder in 2020, which required surgery that offseason. His seasons in 2021 and 2024 ended early due to injuries—a hamstring surgery in 2021 and a fractured left hand in 2024. Additionally, he missed considerable time in 2022 and 2023 due to hamstring and groin issues.
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