It wasn’t until after David Wright’s career was finished or nearing the conclusion that the Mets were serious about finding their third baseman who grew up at home.
At Brett Baty, the organization might have found a replacement. Baty, chosen by the Mets in the first round of last year’s draft (12th overall) from Lake Travis High in Austin, Texas, brought strong left-handed bats and strong throwing arms to the equation. He entered the year considered among the prospects of the top-four position of the Mets, joining shortstop Ronny Mauricio and Andres Gimenez, and catcher Francisco Alvarez.
Two years before Baty’s formulation – with which Wright would have difficulty returning from an injury that weakened his career – the Mets used their second round pick at Mark Vientos, a shortstop that struck electricity that shifted to third base and spent last season at Low-A Columbia.
Baty spent most of last summer at Kingsport Rookie level, and in 52 games had a slash of 0.234 / .368 / .452 with seven homers and 33 RBI. Baty finished the season playing five games for Brooklyn Class-A as Typhoon chased the playoff spot. In the postseason, he is 3-for-9 (0.333) on a plate.
Registered at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, there was concern last season about Baty’s mobility around third base, but the appearance of the 20-year-old when he arrived at camp this spring might have strengthened his stock.
“He found himself in extraordinary condition and that always impressed me,” said a Mets talent evaluator. “You are out of season and someone says, ‘Hey, look, make sure you are in good condition next spring,’ and this kid comes in and he loses 15 pounds and he looks better and moves better and those things impressed me.
“A handsome bat, a very good swing and he’s another man, you have to let him play. He will catch up, he has good skills, great presence. “
From the Mets perspective, Baty would ideally arrive in the premier league in 2023 or 2024. That would coincide with Robinson Cano’s contract which expires, possibly allowing Jeff McNeil to play a full-time full-time basis, with Amed Rosario, Mauricio, or Gimenez on the shortstop. McNeil’s flexibility can also place it in the field.
Baty arrived last summer as part of a strong Mets draft class that included pitchers Josh Wolf and Matthew Allan in the second and third rounds, respectively. Allan was considered a first-round talent, but slipped on the draft for fear he would sign. Baty is the second third baseman chosen in last year’s draft, behind Josh Tech from Texas Tech.
“[Baty] “Having an impressive punch-zone discipline and doing an excellent job pitcher came to him,” Mets executive director of player development Jared Banner said in an email. “He has an impressive raw power that allows him to push the ball out of the ball in all fields.”
Baty’s athleticism only adds to his intrigue. Three sports that stand out in high school, he can sink basketball and in football are recruited by Division I schools as quarterbacks.
“He’s a high-quality kid with an impressive work ethic and competitiveness,” Banner said. “He set a good example for his teammates.”
