It sounds like the NY Mets are big Brett Baty believers

With the trade deadline approaching, many have speculated whether the New York Mets would address third base. The Mets have used a mixture of Brett Baty and Mark Vientos at the hot corner this year. However, with Baty’s solid numbers on the year, they are understandably showing confidence in him, and this could prevent them from having to overpay for a player at the deadline.

Baty may have found something that works for him in 2025. In 259 plate appearances, the former top prospect is batting .237/.295/.432 with a .314 wOBA and 105 wRC+. Although he has a sub-par 7.3% walk rate and 24.3% K%, he already has 11 home runs on the season with an isolated slugging percentage approaching .200 at .195. There is potentially more in the tank as well for Baty.

Baty is having no problems making good contact, with a 90.7 MPH exit velocity (65th percentile), and a 13.1% barrel rate (81st percentile). He also has a quality .260 expected batting average, .466 expected slugging percentage, and a .340 expected wOBA. The latter two are above the 60th percentile of batters this season.

The Mets' confidence in Brett Baty could reward them more than a trade acquisition ever could.

This season follows what has been a dismal start to his MLB career. From 2022 through 2024, Baty played 169 games and had 602 plate appearances. Throughout that time, he had a -0.1 fWAR, and a wRC+ clocking in at just 72. Among primary third basemen with at least 600 plate appearances, he had the third-lowest fWAR and the worst wRC+. He once again looks like a potential long-term answer at the hot corner after a strong month of July. 

The Mets are reportedly comfortable with Baty as the incumbent third baseman. However, sticking with Baty likely means the Mets won’t have to find an expensive replacement on the trade market. The Arizona Diamondbacks likely have an exorbitant price tag on Eugenio Suarez. Nobody is particularly close in terms of his production with the stick on the trade market this year, especially at third base. Even though he is a rental, the D-Backs’ demands are likely expensive.

However, with the Mets sticking with Baty and his recent quality production at the dish, this means the Mets won’t have to shell out a fortune to find a replacement. Their confidence in Baty could ultimately reward them in the long run more than finding a replacement. Baty has flashed some impressive numbers this year. Finding more consistency will be the next step for him, but giving him regular playing time could be key to that. Plus, they can keep their prospects and not have to surrender any to find someone to replace him.