4 Mets convincing us they should be trade deadline buyers

4) Brett Baty is showing some pop

With Francisco Alvarez and Kodai Senga pushing their way into the National League Rookie of the Year conversation, Brett Baty has been a bit lost in the shuffle. The 23-year-old third baseman has had his ups and downs in his rookie season, but his recent power surge is an encouraging sign for the stretch run.

Baty belted homers in consecutive games for the first time in his career against the visiting White Sox this week, first going back-to-back with Alvarez, then hitting a solo shot the next night in a 5-1 Mets win. Both homers got out of the deepest part of Citi Field.

Just as heartening as Baty's newfound strength is the way he has handled himself after some recent adversity. Baty got beaten by swirling winds on a high pop up against the Dodgers, adding insult to injury by getting hit in the face by the ball after his futile dive for it.

The play was fuel to the fire for everyone that loves laughing at the Mets, but Baty handled himself like a veteran when asked about the embarrassing incident later, taking full responsibility and saying that he blamed himself for the Mets losing the game and the series. He then not only homered twice against the White Sox, but turned in one of the prettiest plays of the year at third.

Players, especially young ones, are going to make mistakes. Give me a guy that can face the media, then shake it off and bounce back. Baty is only going to keep getting better.

There are nine games remaining until the trade deadline, and those results will be vital in determining which way this Mets season goes. Alvarez, Verlander, Senga, and Baty are doing their part. Will it be enough for the front office to do theirs?