4 NY Mets players who could replace Starling Marte if he’s not ready for Opening Day

2) Donovan Walton

This is more of a longshot unless you ask Anthony DiComo who seems rather insistent that Donovan Walton could make the team. In all honesty, it feels a little too much like carrying Zack Short on the team to begin 2024 all over again. Walton isn’t currently on the MLB roster and with a lack of minor league options, it’ll only be a matter of time before he’s cut.

As a left-handed hitting infielder, he doesn’t exactly replace Marte directly which is fine because the Mets could use an infielder instead of yet another outfielder on the roster anyway. But given the choice between Walton and the potential of seeing Baty get his opportunity, it’s an easy selection. If the Mets are as sure about Baty being able to become a competent utility player as they have stated publicly, they need to let it succeed or fail and not waste time on a journeyman who is what he is. Baty isn’t going to seize many new opportunities at the MLB level by ripping apart careers of pitchers in Triple-A. Let him face MLB pitching whenever possible.

With all due respect—and now you know something not so respectful is coming—Walton is one of the least exciting players at Mets camp. In over 200 trips to the plate he has hit .174 at the MLB level. Decent depth to have around for the long haul of the season in a situation where you simply need some warm bodies, rushing him to the majors just doesn’t seem to vibe with a team that should have learned last year how important it is to win every game.