Mets' Brett Baty Primed for Breakout in 2026

The versatile youngster looks to build on a solid 2025 season and cement his role with the Mets.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:10pm

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The New York Mets are hoping that promising third baseman Brett Baty can take the next step in his development and have a breakout season in 2026. Baty is coming off a 2025 campaign where he slashed .254/.313/.435 with 18 home runs, 50 RBIs and a 3.1 bWAR in 130 games. After losing his starting job to Mark Vientos in 2024, Baty regained the third base position last season and is now poised to utilize his versatility to find playing time, potentially at DH, first base, second base and right field.

Why it matters

The Mets are counting on Baty to build on his solid 2025 season and emerge as a key contributor, especially with the arrivals of Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco, which have created a logjam in the infield. Baty's ability to play multiple positions will be crucial in getting him consistent at-bats and allowing manager Carlos Mendoza to keep his best hitters in the lineup.

The details

After struggling in his first two MLB seasons, Baty had a bounce-back year in 2025, reclaiming the starting third base job from Vientos. In 130 games, he hit .254 with 18 home runs, 50 RBIs and a 3.1 bWAR. This spring, Baty is off to a hot start, slashing .381/.435/.619 with a 1.054 OPS, one homer and five RBIs in eight Grapefruit League games. With Vientos struggling at the plate this spring, Baty is expected to open the season as the Mets' starting DH, and his ability to play multiple infield and outfield positions will give Mendoza flexibility in keeping his bat in the lineup.

  • In 2023, Baty hit just .212 with a .598 OPS and had a -0.7 bWAR in 108 games, earning him a demotion to Triple-A Syracuse.
  • In 2024, Baty lost his job at third base to Vientos in May and spent the remainder of the campaign in the minors.
  • In 2025, Baty regained the starting third base job and produced a solid season, slashing .254/.313/.435 with 18 home runs, 50 RBIs and a 3.1 bWAR in 130 games.

The players

Brett Baty

A promising versatile youngster who is looking to build on a solid 2025 season with the New York Mets.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets, who will need to find ways to get Baty consistent playing time with the additions of Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco.

Mark Vientos

A Mets infielder who struggled at the plate this spring, potentially opening the door for Baty to claim the starting DH role.

Bo Bichette

An infielder recently acquired by the Mets, creating a logjam in the infield that Baty will need to navigate.

Jorge Polanco

An infielder recently acquired by the Mets, also creating a logjam in the infield that Baty will need to navigate.

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What’s next

If Baty plays everyday this season, he should have a breakout year in 2026.

The takeaway

Baty's versatility and ability to play multiple positions will be key to him getting consistent playing time and cementing his role with the Mets in 2026, as the team looks to integrate new additions Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco into the lineup.