How the NY Mets can still factor into the Alex Bregman free agent sweepstakes

The New York Mets have re-upped on a two-year deal with slugger Pete Alonso. That pushes Mark Vientos back to the hot corner and leaves former top prospect Brett Baty without a path to playing time with the Mets. On top of that, Baty hasn’t done much to earn playing time, either. Since debuting in 2022, Baty has put together a meager .215/.282/.325 triple-slash across 602 plate appearances. He has struck out 26.4% of the time with a mediocre 7.8% walk rate, leading to a .270 wOBA and 72 wRC+.

With Alonso back on board for at least two more seasons, the Mets can now trade Baty without having to worry about their corner infield depth. At this point, Baty will likely not net much in a trade, but the Mets should try and get whatever they can out of him. One team that needs third base depth is the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs currently have Vidal Brujan and Jon Berti listed atop their depth chart at third base. Berti is a right-handed hitter, while Brujan is a switch-hitter but has a mere .531 career OPS. Baty could find playing time with the Cubs as their roster currently stands. He’d be an upgrade over Brujan, at least with the bat, and could be a left-handed hitting platoon with Berti at the hot corner. 

Another reason why the Cubs could be interested in Baty is the fact they missed out on Yoan Moncada. They were reportedly one of the teams interested in Moncada as recently as early January. Howeverm, he ultimatley ended up signing with the LA Angels last week. Mocada is a switch-hitter, so the Cubs could have found a platoon for him alongside Jon Berti.

The Mets and Baty could also play a role in the Alex Bregman sweepstakes. The Cubs have also shown some interest in the all-star third baseman. If they miss out on Bregman as well, their choices become very limited regarding free agents. Pivoting toward Baty in the event of missing out on Bregman would make some sense. After Bregman, the best third base options left on the FA market are 2024 Mets' hero Jose Iglesias, and rebound candidates including Brandon Drury and Luis Urias.

What the Mets might be able to get back from the Cubs for Brett Baty

The Mets likely are not going to get much in return for Baty. He's already 25, and hasn't shown much at the Major League level. But there are two routes the Mets can take in a trade with the Cubs involving the former top prospect. They could ask for a return of a young, low-level prospect. A trade like this may work out for the Mets in the long run, however it may take a few years for that prospect to make an impact in the upper-levels of the minor leagues, that is if they make it that far in their pro career.

The other alternative is to take a young, MLB-ready player. The Cubs have some players on their 40-man roster that might work in a Baty trade. Outfielder Alexander Canario has plus power potential and can play all three outfield positions, but strikes out at a high rate. Alternatively, they could ask for a relief prospect like Daniel Palencia. Palencia can hit 101 MPH, but walked nearly 13% of batters at Triple-A last season. Although Canario and Palencia have low floors, they also have high ceilings.