NEW YORK — The New York Mets are addressing a critical void at shortstop by selecting Vidal Bruján to their active roster ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Angels, signaling an urgent response to injuries and roster changes.

The club announced that first baseman Eric Wagaman has been designated for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot for Bruján, while infielder Ronny Mauricio has been placed on the 10-day injured list after suffering a fractured thumb, creating the immediate need for an experienced replacement in the infield.

Bruján’s journey to the Mets’ big-league club has been circuitous.
During the offseason, he was designated for assignment by the Minnesota Twins and then claimed by the Atlanta Braves, before ultimately landing in New York.
Although he initially fell short of an Opening Day roster spot with the Mets, he successfully cleared waivers this time, allowing the team to acquire a versatile infielder at a critical juncture.

The 28-year-old infielder had a 62 wRC+ across 24 games at Triple-A Syracuse, demonstrating modest offensive output but providing the Mets with defensive reliability and positional flexibility, attributes that have become essential with injuries impacting the roster.

Bruján was once considered a top prospect in the Tampa Bay Rays system, making his MLB debut in 2021 and appearing in parts of three seasons for the Rays.
During his tenure in Tampa Bay, he contributed primarily with defensive versatility and speed on the bases, although his offensive production remained limited, making him a complementary rather than impact player at the time.

In November 2023, Bruján was included in a small trade to the Miami Marlins, where he received his longest look in the major leagues.
During the 2024 season, he slashed .222/.303/.319 across a career-high 278 plate appearances, highlighting modest offensive numbers but continued development as a multi-position defender capable of contributing across the diamond.

Bruján’s defensive versatility is significant.
He has experience at all four infield positions and all three outfield spots, and has even appeared four times on the mound.
For the Mets, the immediate need is at shortstop, where Bruján has performed admirably, accruing 4 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) in 363 1/3 MLB innings at the position, demonstrating his value in preventing runs and maintaining infield stability.

The Mets are without their star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who is sidelined indefinitely due to a calf strain.
Initially, Ronny Mauricio was expected to fill the shortstop role, but his injury—sustained while diving headfirst into the base after an infield single—has complicated plans, removing a key infield piece for the foreseeable future.

Mauricio’s injury is a significant blow to the team, particularly given his prospect pedigree and early-season contributions.
The 25-year-old did not make the Opening Day roster but returned in early April following Lindor’s injury, quickly assuming the everyday shortstop role.
Before the thumb fracture, he had hit his first home run of the season and contributed key infield hits, including a bases-loaded single the previous day, demonstrating his growing impact on the lineup.

Manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters, including MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, that Mauricio is expected to miss 6-8 weeks, further emphasizing the importance of acquiring depth for the Mets’ infield.
To compensate, veteran Bo Bichette was shifted to shortstop, with Brett Baty moving to third base, showcasing the team’s flexibility and willingness to rearrange defensive alignments to maintain competitiveness.

Bichette, a former Blue Jays shortstop, has already logged 17 innings at shortstop this season, providing temporary coverage while Bruján adjusts to the Mets’ system and prepares for regular playing time.
The combination of Bichette and Bruján allows the Mets to stabilize the position defensively, preserving both infield performance and alignment consistency.

Meanwhile, Eric Wagaman, who was recently acquired off waivers from the Twins, had been briefly promoted to the major-league roster earlier in the week after Luis Robert Jr. was placed on the injured list.
Wagaman was sent back down shortly after, with recently claimed Andy Ibáñez joining the club, illustrating the Mets’ fluid roster adjustments during a period of injuries and short-term roster needs.

Wagaman’s history includes a brief MLB debut with the Angels in 2024, followed by a stint with the Marlins in 2025, where he posted an underwhelming 85 wRC+ in 140 games, struggled with power output, and contributed minimally on the basepaths with just four stolen bases.
Defensively, Wagaman recorded -1 DRS across 862 1/3 innings at first base, reflecting below-average impact at the corner infield position.

With Wagaman now designated for assignment, the Mets have five days to trade or place him on waivers, and given that he is in the first of his three minor league option years, another team could potentially claim him or negotiate a trade, leaving his immediate future uncertain.

The Mets’ decision to activate Vidal Bruján represents a calculated move to address immediate defensive needs at shortstop while leveraging his multi-positional experience, including proficiency at second base, third base, and all three outfield spots, providing the team with a versatile asset during a critical period.

Bruján’s career path—from Rays prospect to Marlins and now Mets roster—underscores both the volatility of professional baseball and the potential value of a player who can contribute defensively while offering modest offensive production.
His ability to adapt to new teams and systems highlights his resilience and baseball intelligence, essential traits for a player entering a high-pressure, competitive roster environment.

For the Mets, the combination of injuries to key infielders, including Lindor and Mauricio, and the need for depth has made Bruján a timely addition, offering defensive stability, shortstop coverage, and a capable utility presence capable of stepping in wherever needed.

As the team prepares for its upcoming series against the Angels, Bruján is expected to see immediate playing time at shortstop, with Bichette providing rotational support and Baty filling third base responsibilities.
The move allows the Mets to maintain competitive balance in the infield, preserve defensive efficiency, and continue to pursue wins while key players recover from injury.

Bruján’s experience, versatility, and defensive skill set provide a measured but reliable solution to the Mets’ current infield challenges.
While his offensive ceiling is modest, his contributions in positioning, glove work, and adaptability could prove critical in maintaining the team’s competitiveness during Lindor’s absence and Mauricio’s recovery period.

In summary, the Mets’ activation of Vidal Bruján reflects a strategic response to injuries, roster fluidity, and the need for defensive versatility at shortstop.
Coupled with roster adjustments involving Wagaman, Bichette, and Baty, the team has positioned itself to navigate a difficult stretch while maintaining on-field stability and defensive reliability.