Where Does Brett Baty Fit Into Mets’ 2025 Plans?

One of the biggest internal questions marks for the New York Mets heading into the 2025 season surrounds Brett Baty. A former first-round pick, he was seen as the successor to David Wright at third, a constant rotating role in flux since The Captain retired in 2018. However, like life, things haven’t gone according to plan for the Mets and Baty.

The Journey

Promoted in 2022, Baty’s stint with the Mets was short-lived after he underwent season-ending surgery two weeks after his MLB debut to repair a torn ligament in his thumb. His 2023 season saw more promotions and demotions, but after Eduardo Escobar was traded mid-season, the third base job was all but Baty’s. However, he finished the season hitting just .212/.275/.323/.598 with nine homers, 34 RBIs, 29 walks and an alarming 109 strikeouts over 108 games. Baty’s fWAR for the season, a grim -0.5, proved he was all but replaceable and forgettable.

2024 came around, and the third base role was once again his. Struggles at the plate plagued him again in Queens, hitting .229/.306/.327/.633 in just 50 games. He showed improvement, however, but could not translate his Minor League numbers and was ultimately demoted once more in favor of Mark Vientos. Baty has a career .215/.282/.325 line in 602 plate appearances in the big leagues, compared to a .283/.382/.507 line in 1,423 PA in the Minors.

Pete Alonso‘s free agency puts Vientos’ position on the 2025 roster up in the air. While he’s secured himself a spot on the roster after his breakout 2024 campaign, his position is TBD. If the Polar Bear stays, Vientos would play third or DH. However, if Pete signs elsewhere, the Mets might shift Vientos to first. With the emergence of Luisangel Acuña, Ronny Mauricio‘s longer-than-expected recovery from a torn ACL and Jett Williams‘ impending arrival, where does Brett Baty fit into the Mets’ plans, if at all?

Third Base

A natural third baseman, there’s every chance Baty stays at third. He’s registered the most Minor and Major league games at the hot corner and while he’s not the most apt defender, has the most experience there. After Mark Vientos, the organization’s depth at third is thin. Baty’s proven everything he has at the hot corner in the Minors. Vientos and Jose Iglesias blocked him in 2024, but if Alonso were to depart and Vientos shifted to first or stayed as a permanent DH, Baty could find a home at third in 2025 and beyond.

Outfield

Baty played one inning in the outfield during his Major League stint but spent 249 innings in the outfield in the Minors, mostly in left field. With Brandon Nimmo, Starling Marte and Tyrone Taylor as the locks heading into 2025, Baty feels like a bench player at best right now. Defensive versatility works in his favor, and he can see time in the outfield when players like Marte need a break or want to get another lefty in for Taylor.

Second Base

The Mets had Baty take reps at second base during 2024. He took reps at the position during the postseason in Philadelphia. David Stearns commented the Mets were impressed with how quickly Baty took up the outfield and might make him a super-utility player a la Jeff McNeil. While McNeil and Acuña are the only ones standing in Baty’s way right now, the defensive versatility Stearns values can play into all three players’ favor, and Baty might see time at second.

Trade Candidate

With the emergence of Vientos and Acuña, there’s always the chance Baty’s best value to the Mets is as a trade piece. The team needs pitching and can package Baty in a deal with a team looking to rebuild with youth. Options include Garret Crochet from the White Sox, who the Mets were reportedly interested in, and other rebuilders like the Marlins and Athletics.

Final Thoughts

The biggest question surrounding Baty heading into 2025 is his bat and whether it can translate to the Majors. He’s shown glimpses and had some of his most productive stretches in 2024 before injuries and cold streaks hit. He’s still young and has plenty to learn, and the Mets think highly of him, as do other teams. However, with top prospects knocking on the door and the Mets quickly moving into a win-now mindset, Baty’s time as a Met might be behind him.

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