It sure seems like the last NY Mets bench spot could become a one-man race

Brett Baty hit his second home run of the spring on Thursday and has six hits in eleven at-bats
New York Mets v Houston Astros
New York Mets v Houston Astros | Julio Aguilar/GettyImages

You could argue that this season may be Brett Baty’s final chance to stick with the big-league club but so far this spring he has more than earned that opportunity. On Thursday, Baty hit his second home run in three games. Despite the homer coming off a Houston Astros pitcher who didn’t make it past high-A last year, Baty has gotten off to a red-hot start in spring training. In an extremely limited sample size the 25-year-old has six hits in eleven at-bats and looks ready to earn his spot on the New York Mets roster.

Brett Baty has become the clear front runner for the final NY Mets bench spot.

Baty’s spring training success is nothing new. In 2023, he hit .325 in 22 games, last spring Baty had three home runs in 53 at-bats. The obvious key is for him to find a way to make sure he doesn’t leave his success in Port St. Lucie.

With Nick Madrigal on the 60-day with a fractured shoulder the Mets need a utility infielder who can play multiple positions. Baty has cemented himself as the front runner for that role. Along with what he has done in live games, Baty has also given himself the flexibility to make the roster by learning second base and now even getting reps at shortstop as reported by SNY. Last year he played 27 games at second base for the Syracuse Mets and had a .991 fielding percentage.

The reason this bench role shouldn’t go to someone like Luisangel Acuna or Ronny Mauricio is that those two need everyday reps. Especially, Mauricio coming off an entire season where he did not see game action. Baty on the other hand has gotten on and off looks in MLB since 2022. He’s played nearly double the games for the big club that he has in Triple-A. At point I’m not sure how much longer being in Syracuse can benefit his continued development.

As far as other candidates go the Mets know what they are going to get out of guys like Donovan Walton and Jared Young. Both players are known for their glove but certainly not for their bat. It might be a one-man race for Baty to earn the role but then it will be up to him to hold onto it.

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