Little known MLB rule gives NY Mets more incentive to trade Brett Baty

The fact that the New York Mets signed Juan Soto, who wears number 22, comes with plenty of franchise lore. Donn Clendenon wore it in 1969. Ray Knight had the number in 1986. Each would go on to win a World Series MVP.

It’s a pretty special number in franchise history even if it hasn’t always been on the backs of the team’s best players.

One could assume Soto could pay for the number swap with Baty either with some cash, a car, or anything else the young third baseman desires. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. As Christian Arnold of the NY Post wrote about extensively, a little known MLB rule about jersey numbers changing could get in the way; unless the Mets trade Baty.

The Mets already had Brett Baty on the trade block and an MLB rule gives them more reason to

Soto might happily take another number. Of course, simply reversing the number doesn’t solve the issue.

According to the rule, players have to request prior to July 31 of the previous season for a number change. There are some exceptions. One is if the player who previously wore the number changes teams. The other would require the player or someone on his behalf to “purchase the existing finished-goods inventory.”

In other words, someone is going to have a whole lot of Baty Mets jerseys unless he gets traded.

The Mets should cater to Soto’s desire to wear a particular number. He should also be open to buying up the full stock of Baty jerseys. There can’t be too many sitting in a warehouse in Jersey, right?

This could be a holiday gift for Soto from Steve Cohen to further extend their positive relationship. The easier solution is for David Stearns to find a trade destination for Baty. Soto gets his number. Baty gets a fresh start. The now outdated number 22 jerseys end up in a landfill or on consignment in a country nobody realized exists.