The Mets have been busy this week, updating us on some key players in camp. Brett Baty, in particular, is catching attention.
He had a minor hamstring issue recently, but there's no panic about him missing the start of the season. With over a month to go before Opening Day, Baty has plenty of time to get back into the swing of things.
Last year, he made quite an impression, hitting 18 home runs and posting a .254/.313/.435 slash line. His defensive versatility at both third and second base is a plus.
Looking ahead to 2026, Baty's role is a bit of a puzzle. With Marcus Semien at second and Bo Bichette at third, Baty might find himself moving around the field. He could even see some time in the outfield, especially with Brandon Nimmo's departure.
There might be some early shuffling, though, as Francisco Lindor just had hamate surgery. The Mets hope he'll be ready for Opening Day, but if not, Bichette might slide over to shortstop, opening third base for Baty. Alternatively, the Mets could keep Bichette at third and slot Ronny Mauricio at short, which would have Baty competing for right field time against players like Carson Benge, MJ Melendez, and Mike Tauchman.
Luis Robert Jr., Francisco Alvarez, and Jorge Polanco are also being eased into camp. For Robert, the focus is on strengthening his lower half.
When healthy, he's an MVP-caliber player, but injuries, especially to his hips and hamstrings, have been a recurring issue. Despite some recent struggles, the Mets took on his $20 million salary, and they’re keen on keeping him fit for the season ahead.
His contract includes a $20 million option for 2027, with a $2 million buyout.
Polanco, dealing with knee issues, had a tough 2024 but bounced back in 2025. The Mets showed faith in him with a two-year, $40 million deal. He’s expected to transition to first base while also playing other positions, so the team will need to manage his workload carefully during spring games.
Alvarez has had his share of injuries too, with thumb and hand issues limiting his playtime over the past couple of years. As the starting catcher, staying healthy is crucial, but he also needs to build chemistry with the pitching staff.
The Mets are clearly focused on getting these players ready while managing their health, aiming to have a strong and versatile lineup for the season.