Brett Baty, Mets second baseman of the future?
Baty is in London with the Mets as the extra 27th man for their two-game series with the Phillies, and when asked about his week in Triple-A so far, Baty revealed that the Mets told him he’ll be getting some reps at second base while with Syracuse.
“I think it's cool. I love defensive versatility, always have,” Baty said of that. “I played a lot of different positions in high school, and I love moving all around the field, so it’s cool. It’s like a different game from other points of view. So, any way I can help the team.”
Baty was a top prospect just a few years ago and possibly the Mets’ long-term answer at third base, but he has hit just .214 in 168 games since making his MLB debut in 2022, and has also struggled at times defensively.
The Mets called up Mark Vientos last month and while he is also not likely to win a Gold Glove at third any time soon, he is slashing .333/.392/.621 with five home runs in 74 plate appearances pre-London this season, so the Mets will ride the hot bat.
That does not describe nominal second baseman Jeff McNeil, who sat the entire series in Washington in deference to perennially light-hitting Jose Iglesias; McNeil is slashing just .227/.296/.320 this season and hit .270 last year after winning the batting title in 2022.
Ronny Mauricio, who will miss this season with a torn ACL suffered in winter ball, got most of his reps in 2023 at second and third, as his natural position of shortstop is blocked long-term by Francisco Lindor, and the team has also moved top prospects and natural shortstops Jett Williams (currently at Double-A) and Luisangel Acuna (at Triple-A) around as well, trying to find the right fits.
So, for Baty right now, versatility may be the name of the game.
“They didn’t give a time frame, but said it was going to be a couple games,” Baty said of the switch. “I feel good moving around and, and seeing the ball come from a different view and stuff like that. I’ve gotten some reps in BP and practice, and I’m excited to learn the position and see where it goes.”