Why the Mets should move Brett Baty off of third base

The 2023 season has been a tough year for Bretty Baty and the New York Mets.

There were high expectations coming into the year for Baty and he hasn't come close to meeting them. As a former first round pick and the number 2 prospect in the organization, he was expected to help the Mets this season. He was recalled to take over at third base for a struggling Eduardo Escobar early in the season, and now after struggles of his own he has been demoted back to Triple-A.

Brett Baty's struggles show the Mets need to make a change

This isn't the end for Baty as progress is not linear for prospects. Baty made some interesting comments about the issues he dealt with in the majors saying, “You’re under a microscope up here, so you have got to be engaged from Pitch 1 to the end of the game."

“That is something I have got to work on and something I have got to learn, so I am going to do my best at it.” “Playing third base as a taller guy you have got to stay I guess on your legs a little bit more, but not like all the way down,” Baty said. “If you get all the way down it’s just more taxing on your body. I am just trying to stay relaxed and comfortable over there.” 

The Mets should help Baty be more relaxed and comfortable by trying him out in left field. Baty's defense has been bad at third base and he was never projected to be a gold glover there anyway. Moving him to an easier position could help him find his swing again.

It's clear from Baty's comments he was going through mental challenges and needed a re-set.

It is interesting to note that Ronny Mauricio is starting to get more playing time at third base in the minors. Jeff McNeil is also more than capable at third if Baty is moved off the position long-term.

Baty was a top prospect for his bat, not his glove. The Mets have to do everything in their power to tap into his hitting ability. Moving him to left field could free him to focus more on his hitting.

There is still a bright future for Baty in Queens, he just needs to make some mental adjustments. The Mets should ease his mental burden as much as they can.