Paul Articulates – Who is Vidal Brujan?

The wires are constantly busy with under-the-radar MLB transactions as the GMs of every team try to stabilize their rosters with the small pieces to fill holes.  David Stearns has been a master of this trade, frequently bringing aboard “fixable” talent that gives the team additional innings either in the field or on the mound.

One such transaction occurred a few days ago, when the Mets acquired Vidal Brujan from the Twins for cash.  Brujan, who was DFA’ed last Wednesday, had been in Tampa’s minor league development system and was heralded as a top prospect.  He has had several opportunities to display his talents on a major league level but has not made the most of them.  His career slash line over five seasons with five clubs (not including Minnesota) was .199/.267/.276.

Vidal Brujan was an international free agent who signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2014.  He progressed through their minor league system, earning distinction as a contact hitter and base stealer.  His career numbers in the minors are .286/.370/.429, which are very similar to LuisAngel Acuna’s .282/.351/.400 minor league career line.

Brujan is known for his speed, having stolen 147 bases in the minors over the 2018-2021 seasons.  He is also a very versatile defender.  Over his MLB career, he has played every position on the field.  Of course, his 3.2 innings thrown from the mound were mop-up duty during routs, but I found it extraordinary that he has been on a major league diamond playing 1 through 9 and DH.  His primary position is in the infield, where he has played 77% of his 1450 innings there.

In the absence of recently traded players like LuisAngel Acuna and Jett Williams, and with AJ Ewing still working through his development, the middle infield options are relatively scarce.  Brett Baty has shown competence at second and third base but would not be considered a backup for shortstop.  Ronny Mauricio and the newly acquired Brujan are the only viable options if Francisco Lindor can’t go due to injury or illness.  In fact, the NY Mets website currently lists Brujan second on the depth chart at short behind Lindor.

What a strange twist of fate to be in this position after the team struggled with having too many infielders in the pipeline just a year ago.  It will be very interesting to see how this develops over the course of Spring Training.  Can the Mets sort out Vidal’s swing?  Can Ronny Mauricio rise above his hitting issues and erratic field play to become more of a mainstay on the roster?  Or do the Mets accelerate the advancement of candidates like AJ Ewing and D’Andre Smith to provide a mid-year call-up opportunity?

Only time will tell if Vidal becomes vital to the Mets.