Feb 12, 2025; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Nick Madrigal (11) throws the baseball during Spring Training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
New York Mets utility infielder Nick Madrigal left Sunday’s split-squad exhibition game against the Washington Nationals during the first inning with an undisclosed injury.
The veteran charged a slow roller that deflected off pitcher Ty Adcock and made a bare-handed, lunging play that could not get Washington’s Luis Garcia Jr. at first base. He left the game immediately after the play and was replaced by Wyatt Young.
Madrigal was signed over the winter to challenge for the Mets’ utility-infielder job, which has become a crowded competition after Pete Alonso re-signed earlier this month. Rather than third baseman Mark Vientos shifting to first base, which would have opened competition at the hot corner between multiple young infielders like Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuna, the two youngsters, along with Madrigal, are now hoping to secure a reserve role when camp breaks ahead of the 2025 season.
The 27-year-old has played predominantly second and third base throughout his career, but manager Carlos Mendoza was certain to point out that he would spend time during spring training at shortstop, which is where he was playing on Sunday afternoon.
In 285 career games over five seasons with the Chicago White Sox and Cubs, Madrigal owns a .274 batting average with a .667 OPS, four home runs, and 77 RBI.
His signing was the first indication that the Mets were preparing to move on from Jose Iglesias, who was one of the spark plugs of the team’s remarkable turnaround last season.
For more on Nick Madrigal and the Mets, visit AMNY.com
