Moving Brett Baty to LF regularly kicks potential NY Mets roster logjam down the road

Brett Baty starting in left field for the New York Mets isn’t something we envisioned when David Stearns said “run prevention.” Sure, maybe he can handle it. Maybe he can’t. It’s a realistic possibility as the Mets look to let Carson Benge win a job while also trying to find room for everyone else.

Hypothetically, if Baty was to win a left field job, it creates a little added chaos down the line. Baty plays a lot of left field to begin the year with Jorge Polanco and Mark Vientos sharing first base and DH duties. Everyone gets their playing time. What happens when Benge is ready?

We can’t guarantee injuries or one of those three underperforming to end up on the bench more frequently. The Mets have already shored up center field with Luis Robert Jr., thus negating the possibility of Benge playing there regularly short of an injury or extended slump. What’s the resolution?

The Mets have a looming roster crunch if Brett Baty is indeed a regular in left field to start the year

The co-existence of Baty and Vientos has been a highly-discussed topic by Mets fans. Nothing has changed. The addition of Polanco to be a significant bat in the lineup doesn’t do much to create opportunities. They could selectively sit Baty against lefties and play Vientos mostly against left-handed pitchers. In a perfect world where both are hitting, it’s going to be difficult to get each the playing time they deserve.

The Mets have already limited Ronny Mauricio’s chances of being a regular in the lineup. The infield is stacked with veterans. He’ll either get a bench role or fight for irregular playing time at all four infield positions. He should be a candidate to see time at first base.

Benge’s unknown timeline makes it difficult to know exactly how the Mets should handle the remainder of the offseason. If trading Vientos is off the table, they’re inching toward a situation where things can get really crowded, really fast.

If the Mets don’t add another significant veteran hitter, their Opening Day bench could include Luis Torrens, Tyrone Taylor, and Mauricio. There’s still one spot left. It won’t go to Benge. A utility player like Vidal Brujan could make sense. He can play the infield and outfield. Consider him a placeholder until Benge is ready.

When Benge is ready, that’s when things can get complicated if the Mets have fought off injury. What happens to Baty after? An option at first base and a solution at third base on days when Bo Bichette is a DH, the Mets appear headed toward a situation where they have a decent bat available off the bench on a regular basis when their stud prospect, Benge, is MLB-ready.

Baty and Vientos each fell short of 500 plate appearances last year. Baty spent a brief period in the minors and on the IL to complete the year. Vientos missed some time due to injury in the middle of the season. Until those issues resolve themselves, it’ll be up to Carlos Mendoza to appropriately mix and match everyone.