This is what the Mets had envisioned for Brett Baty when he first made his major league debut three years ago.
But progress isn’t always linear — and sometimes, players just need more time.
“Everyone’s path in this game is different,” Baty said. “And I’m grateful for every step of mine, no doubt.”
Now 25 years old, Baty endured his share of struggles in the early going. Across parts of his first three seasons, he posted a disappointing .215 batting average and a .607 OPS in 544 at-bats. Despite posting strong numbers in Triple-A, his major league performance never quite matched the hype — and his place on the roster was anything but secure.
After hitting just .229 with four home runs and 13 RBIs in 50 games during the 2024 campaign, Baty lost the starting third base job to Mark Vientos. Entering the 2025 season, it felt like his time with the Mets might be running out.
“Every player wants to make a mark right away when they get to the big leagues,” said Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. “Sometimes guys try to do too much, and it takes longer for them to settle in. Baty always hit in the minors — it just took a while for him to feel comfortable up here.”
At the start of this season, Baty once again found himself demoted. When Jeff McNeil returned from injury, the Mets favored Luisangel Acuña’s ability to play multiple positions, pushing Baty back to Triple-A. But before going down, he provided a glimpse of his potential with a homer off Phillies ace Zack Wheeler on April 23.
Then, a new opportunity arose. Jesse Winker’s oblique injury opened up a roster spot, and Baty returned to the majors last week. Since then, he’s been on a tear, benefiting from increased focus and intensity in his pregame preparations.
In his last seven games, Baty has launched five home runs — including a go-ahead solo shot against the Pirates, when he drove a 1-1 changeup from Mitch Keller the opposite way over the left-field fence.
“I’ve always believed I could do anything I set my mind to in this game,” Baty said. “Right now, I’m just finding success, and yeah… it feels really good.”
Through 25 games, Baty has already surpassed his 2024 home run total and is just five RBIs shy of last season’s mark — and he’s done it in half the number of games.
“Confidence,” Mendoza said when asked about the difference in Baty this season. “He believes he belongs here. He’s having fun, preparing the right way, staying relaxed — and not trying to overthink it.”
Baty is finally delivering on the promise that once made him one of the Mets’ most highly-regarded prospects — and doing it in a way that suggests this time, he’s here to stay.
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