Mets' Brett Baty takes first step in facing 'fun' first base challenge

Rookie infielder gets his first start at first base as Mets look to replace departed star Pete Alonso

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:47am

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For the first time in seven seasons, the Mets are facing uncertainty at first base after the departure of star Pete Alonso. Rookie Brett Baty, who has primarily played third base, got his first start at first base in a spring training game against the Nationals. While Baty acknowledged the position is still an adjustment, he said the experience was "a fun challenge" and that he is confident he and the other candidates, including Jorge Polanco and Mark Vientos, will get better at the position with more reps.

Why it matters

The Mets' decision to let Alonso, a perennial All-Star, leave in free agency has created a void at first base that the team is hoping Baty, Polanco, and Vientos can fill. Baty's ability to adapt to the new position will be crucial as the Mets look to maintain their offensive production and solidify their infield defense.

The details

In his first game at first base, Baty handled a grounder to the right side without incident, though he acknowledged he had to adjust his instinct to "go get every ball." Mets infield coach Kai Correa and Carlos Mendoza have been working with Baty on the nuances of the position, such as positioning and holding runners. Baty will also see time in the outfield this spring as the Mets look to make him a more versatile player.

  • Baty made his first start of the spring at first base on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in a 3-2 loss to the Washington Nationals.
  • The Mets have until March 26 to get Baty, Polanco, and Vientos more comfortable at first base before the start of the regular season.

The players

Brett Baty

A rookie infielder for the Mets who has primarily played third base in the minors, but is now getting reps at first base as the team looks to replace departed star Pete Alonso.

Pete Alonso

The Mets' former star first baseman who departed for the Baltimore Orioles in free agency this offseason, leaving a void at the position.

Jorge Polanco

A Mets infielder who is transitioning to first base after primarily playing in the middle infield.

Mark Vientos

A Mets prospect who is slated to play third base for Team Nicaragua in the World Baseball Classic, but also has experience at first base.

Kai Correa

The Mets' infield coach who has been working with Baty on the nuances of playing first base.

Carlos Mendoza

The Mets' manager who expressed confidence that Baty, Polanco, and Vientos can handle the first base position.

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What they’re saying

“It was a fun challenge out there. There were no mistakes, but it didn't look pretty, either. We'll get better over there, for sure.”

— Brett Baty, Mets infielder

“I felt like I wanted to go get the ball. That's just how I've always been: At third base, go get every ball you can go get. Second base the same thing. Some [balls] I wanted to get and I had to remember Marcus is right behind me and I need to get my butt to first base.”

— Brett Baty, Mets infielder

“I tell people I feel like a football receiver out there. I can catch fly balls and show off the arm. I like it out there.”

— Brett Baty, Mets infielder

“I love tackling adversity. Any way to get at-bats … and help the team win.”

— Brett Baty, Mets infielder

“I feel comfortable that any of the three can play first base. I'd like to continue to get [Baty] as many reps as possible. It's not easy, but he's embracing the opportunity. He's up for the challenge.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets manager

What’s next

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The takeaway

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