After the excellent month of June, where the New York Mets had a season-best 16-4 stretch, they enter July on a good note. However, the Mets were hit with several injuries, including Starling Marte’s injury, who could be out until the end of July. However, this presents an opportunity for an infielder to play for a while and prove himself.
One Move The Mets Could Make To Give Infielder Playing Time
The Mets Could Give Brett Baty A Chance At Second Base
Since Jeff McNeil can play in the outfield, and Jose Iglesias is more of a utility man, the Mets could bring up Brett Baty to play second base for a while. Starling Marte’s injury led to the Mets bringing up veteran outfielder Ben Gamel. However, the Mets’ starting second baseman, Jeff McNeil, can start in the outfield, giving the Mets a chance to start Baty at second base while Marte is still absent. Baty was sent down on May 31st in favor of Mark Vientos at third base. At that point in the season, the Mets had decided to give Vientos a chance, and he ran with it. In June alone, Vientos hit 7 homers, which led the team.
Baty hit 4 home runs in 50 games with a low average of .229. At one point of the season, Baty was hitting over .300 with less power. However, a slump that never ended ensued. In comparison to Vientos, Vientos has hit 10 home runs with an average of .292 in 38 games for New York. The unbelievable numbers put up by Vientos give Baty no chance of taking back third base.
However, New York should still reconsider Baty, as he continues to tear apart the minor leagues. He has 8 home runs in just 20 games. Baty shows that he is no longer able to be contained in the minor leagues and should be considered a major league player. The Mets, of course, should by no means get rid of McNeil and not give him a chance to break out; however, keeping Baty in the minor leagues is wasting a valuable player.
Mets Options
If the Mets bring up Baty, it will improve the lineup, especially regarding power. Baty would also be a helpful lefty. DJ Stewart continues to be unimpressive with his average and even his power. In addition to DJ Stewart, Gamel would not be a heavy hand in the offense. The Mets could send Gamel back down and bring back up Baty by reworking how New York uses McNeil. Also, Baty flashed a lot of potential regarding defense, as he rarely would miss at third base. Transitioning from third to second base is not easy, but Baty would also become very valuable defensively. It will also be a way to finally see if Baty can figure things out after past struggles in the major leagues.
In conclusion, the Mets should stop wasting such a valuable asset and give him another chance to become a star. Overall, Baty has not done well when in Flushing; however, it can take time for players to explode.
Main Photo Credits: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
