3 Mets players with the most to gain this spring

2) NY Mets prospect Brett Baty can force his way onto the roster sooner

Someone with nothing to lose this spring is Brett Baty. Even if he goes 0 for 40, we can write it off. Spring statistics mean very little. Robinson Cano led the league in batting back in 2019 during exhibition action.

Baty will have a tough time forcing his way onto the MLB roster from the start. The roster is pretty jammed and now that we’re in February, a major change is less likely. We should prepare for a bench of Tomas Nido, Luis Guillorme, Tommy Pham, and Darin Ruf. Ruf is the guy whose roster spot is most in jeopardy. Outhitting him this spring will only shorten his leash.

It does appear the club will have Baty begin the year in Triple-A and split his time between third base and left field. Mastering his defense and showing for sure he’s ready to hit at the major league level is the goal for Baty. It can begin by facing some experienced MLB arms in the spring.

Baty can swipe Ruf’s roster spot away from him early in the regular season. It will take a hot bat from him and a weak one from Ruf. He will, of course, also be someone the team may simply promote in case of an injury.

The ability to play two positions will greatly benefit Baty. He’s a platoon candidate with Eduardo Escobar and Mark Canha. A big spring will speed up the inevitable Baty promotion.