By Sunday 
A Golden Opportunity for Baty to Secure His Spot
The New York Mets’ roster picture for Opening Day has shifted dramatically following injuries to two key infielders. With Luisangel Acuña exiting Saturday’s game after being hit by a pitch and Nick Madrigal already ruled out for the season due to a dislocated shoulder, Brett Baty now stands as the most viable option to take on the Mets’ utility role.
Acuña’s Injury Opens the Door
Acuña, one of the Mets’ top young prospects, was making a strong push for an Opening Day roster spot. After an impressive late-season debut in 2024, where he hit .308 with a .966 OPS in 14 games, he entered spring training as a serious contender. His versatility, with the ability to play multiple infield positions and even take reps in center field, made him a valuable asset.
However, his unfortunate injury raises concerns about his availability to start the season. If he is sidelined for an extended period, it could significantly impact the Mets’ infield depth and solidify Baty’s place on the roster.
Baty’s Unexpected Path to a Roster Spot
Despite Acuña’s strong bid, Baty has been making a compelling case of his own. The 25-year-old has had a stellar spring training, but he was still locked in a competition with Acuña and Madrigal for the utility role. Now, with both competitors out of the equation, Baty appears to have the job almost by default.
His road to consistent MLB success has not been smooth. Once a highly regarded prospect in New York’s minor league system, Baty has struggled to translate his minor-league dominance into major-league results. Across 169 games in the big leagues, he has posted a disappointing .215 batting average with a .633 OPS. Yet, his minor-league track record—where he hit .283 with a .889 OPS over five seasons—shows he has the potential to be a productive hitter at the next level.
Can Baty Capitalize on the Opportunity?
The Mets already boast one of the most potent lineups in baseball, featuring stars like Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Mark Vientos. If Baty can finally break through and become a reliable contributor, it would make their lineup even more dangerous.
So far in spring training, he’s been making a strong case. Through five games, he has already collected seven hits, including two home runs. His offensive production has been promising, but the real question is whether he can maintain consistency once the regular season begins.
A Role Still to Be Defined
While Baty seems destined for an Opening Day roster spot, his exact role remains uncertain. He won’t have an everyday starting position, but if he continues to hit well, manager Carlos Mendoza will likely find ways to keep him in the lineup. With his ability to play multiple infield positions and provide left-handed power, Baty could become a key piece for the Mets as they push for contention in 2025.
For now, the injuries to Acuña and Madrigal have given Baty a rare second chance. Whether he seizes it or not will determine his future with the Mets.