The Mets’ offseason has been anything but quiet - and if there’s one thing we’ve learned about David Stearns’ approach since taking the reins, it’s that no roster spot is sacred. From infield shakeups to outfield experiments, the Mets are clearly in the middle of a full-scale identity reset.
And Brett Baty? He’s right in the thick of it.
Let’s rewind for a second. Back in November, Stearns publicly backed Jeff McNeil’s role on the team, even after acquiring Marcus Semien.
A month later, McNeil was gone. Then came similar praise for Luisangel Acuña - a nod to his versatility and potential value off the bench.
But as the infield picture got more crowded, Acuña’s path to playing time narrowed. The writing was on the wall, and the Mets acted accordingly.
Now, it’s Baty’s turn in the spotlight - or maybe in the outfield lights, depending on how you read the situation. Once considered a cornerstone at third base, Baty is now being floated as a potential left fielder.
That’s a significant shift, and it speaks volumes about how fluid the Mets’ plans really are. When a player goes from penciled-in starter at the hot corner to potential outfield experiment, it’s fair to wonder what the long-term vision really is.
And here’s the thing: even if Baty does take some reps in left field, it feels like a temporary solution - a placeholder more than a plan. Carson Benge is looming, and his trajectory suggests he’s not going to be waiting around for long. He’s pushing hard, and the Mets know it.
That doesn’t guarantee a trade for Baty, but it certainly keeps the door wide open. The Mets have already shuffled players into new roles this offseason, and asking Baty to learn left field on the fly - especially when first base might be a more natural fit - feels like a stretch.
It’s not unreasonable to think the Mets could look outside the organization for a more seasoned outfield option. Someone like Austin Hays, for instance, would bring a more reliable glove and ease some of the defensive uncertainty.
None of this is to say Stearns is being dishonest. If anything, he’s been adaptable - maybe to a fault.
The Mets’ front office has kept its options open, and while that kind of flexibility can be a strength, it also means the roster has lacked clear direction at times. The offseason moves aren’t without logic, but the true test will come once the games start.
In baseball, intentions don’t matter nearly as much as results.
So what’s next for Baty? That’s still up in the air.
He could be a utility man, a trade chip, or - if things break right - a surprise contributor in left field. But with the Mets in full reshuffle mode, nothing is set in stone.
And if recent history is any guide, it would be wise to expect the unexpected.