Inside The Mets

Former New York Mets Greats Laud Brett Baty: 'He's Going to be a Good one'

Top prospect Brett Baty received some high praise from a pair of all-time Mets greats.

Pat Ragazzo

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Brett Baty has certainly had a strong Spring Training thus far, as he battles Eduardo Escobar for the starting third base job.

On Tuesday night against the Houston Astros, Baty made two nifty plays in the field at third base, first back-handing a ball and making a long throw from foul territory to get the runner out. Then in the eighth inning, Baty fielded a slow roller on the run and threw a strike to first base to nab the runner.

Baty's biggest area needing improvement is his defense at the hot corner, which was on point in the Mets' 5-5 tie with the Astros on Tuesday. In addition to his two plays in the field, Baty recorded two hits and a stolen base in this game.

As for his bat, the 23-year-old has been raking in Grapefruit League play. In 19 at-bats, Baty has nine hits, which is good for a .474/.524/.684 slash line with a 1.208 OPS, one home run and five RBIs. 

It's safe to say that Baty's impressive camp hasn't gone unnoticed. On Wednesday, he drew compliments from two all-time Mets greats, who are serving as guest instructors at Spring Training.

"I like his energy," former Mets center fielder Mookie Wilson said of Baty. "He made a great play at third base last night, it looks like he's going to be a good one."

Baty also received high praise from another former Mets third baseman, Howard Johnson.

"He plays the game hard and consistent," Johnson said. "He's doing all the things that are close to my heart."

While it remains to be seen whether Baty is going to crack the Opening Day roster or start the season in the minor leagues, he is doing all the right things in Spring Training to make the big-league club. 

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Pat Ragazzo
PAT RAGAZZO

Pat Ragazzo is the reporter, publisher, site manager and executive editor for Sports Illustrated's Mets and Yankees On SI websites. Pat was selected as The Top Reporter & Publisher of the Year 2024 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the industry. He has been seen on several major TV Network stations including: NBC4, CBS2, FOX5, PIX11 and NY1; and is frequently heard on ESPN New York FM 880 AM and WFAN Sports Radio 101.9 FM as a guest. Pat also serves as the Mets insider for the "Allow Me 2 Be Frank" podcast hosted by Frank "The Tank" Fleming of Barstool Sports. You can follow him on Twitter/X: @ragazzoreport.

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