Let's Talk About Brett Baty
Is 2025 the former blue-chip's time to shine?
Image credit: Roberto Carlo
Much to discuss! Some quick hits before getting into things:
LHP Sean Manaea will be sidelined with a right oblique strain. Per The Athletic’s Will Sammon, “the Mets are viewing [Manaea’s] injury as relatively short-term, expect him back some time in April,” barring any setbacks. The team reportedly plans to fill the gaps left in Manaea and Frankie Montas’ absences in-house.
Infielder Nick Madrigal suffered a dislocated and fractured left shoulder fielding a ground ball in Sunday’s Grapefruit League game in Port St. Lucie. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters on Monday the 27-year-old journeyman will be “out for a long time” (Tim Healey, Newsday). Healey also reports that the Mets still see Jose Iglesias as “not a fit” to step in for Madrigal.
In case you missed it, Juan Soto hit an about as dramatic opposite-field home run you’ll see in February during his first at-bat of the spring on Saturday and Clay Holmes looked terrific over three perfect innings against the Astros at Clover Park, introducing a new “kick change” to his arsenal (video via
PitchingNinja).
What stood out most this weekend outside of the obvious in Soto, Holmes, and the simple joy of Mets baseball back on your screen was what looks to be the advancement of Brett Baty.
Fresh off being handed the keys to a brand-new Chevy truck by Soto this past week for relinquishing his uniform number-22 the Mets’ new star, the 25-year-old former first-round draft pick (2019, 12th overall) settled right into form in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Miami in PSL.
Stepping in against the Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara in the first, Baty hit a sharp groundout (97.4 MPH exit velocity). He smoked a 101.5 MPH single in his next turn (vs. Jesus Tinoco) then drilled a 110.4 MPH double against Janson Junk to close out his day in style.
After a less-than-ideal start to his major league career (.215/.282/.325, 42 strikeouts in 171 PA between 2022 and 2024), the Texas product is surely looking to turn things around. This season, Baty has a runway cleared—a slim one, but still—to make the progress everyone’s been waiting for and take charge of his career.
Following his demotion to Triple-A last June, Baty managed to regain his footing in Syracuse and finished the year moderately strong, hitting .250/.351/.486 over 259 PA (.838 OPS, 116 wRC+) and earning himself a ticket on the Mets’ postseason taxi squad last fall. He didn’t get any run in the dance, but he was an option. He was there, even as a just-in-case contingency. That shouldn’t get overlooked.
Stepping stones, wherever you can find them, are always good.
With third base expected to be mostly manned by 2024 standout Mark Vientos this season and Jeff McNeil assuredly being given a chance to replicate his hot finish at the plate last season (.271/.353/.506, 15 2B, 8 HR, 140 wRC+ over 190 PA from July 1 on), plus Luisangel Acuña nipping at McNeil’s heels at second, earning playing time will be a battle for Baty.
However, if Baty can put the work in this spring and show you, me, the organization, heck, the entire league, that he can hang at this level, he’ll force Mendoza’s hand and will get reps.
Where those reps may be is anyone’s guess, but Baty’s willingness to learn positions (he’s taken balls at second, third, and even shortstop this spring) speaks volumes about his drive and hunger to be a part of this ballclub, despite an uphill climb and blocked positions ahead of him.
With Madrigal down for the foreseeable future and the Mets declaring that this will likely be another next-man-up, internal fix situation, that would put Baty in a prime position to make this club as a utility man.
He’ll be an option at third, even if just to spell Vientos, for sure. If McNeil falters and Acuña isn’t quite ready for prime time, maybe an audition at second will present itself. Wouldn’t count on it, but his preparation this spring will only leave that door opened wider if the situation does arise.
Get to work, young man.