Brett Baty wins Mets’ third base battle to open season
NY Post
PORT ST. LUCIE — In a competition with limited alternatives, Brett Baty didn’t have to win the third-base job for the Mets this spring as much as avoid losing it.
On that count he’s succeeded.
The Mets are set to head north Monday night with Baty as their Opening Day starter at third base, giving the 24-year-old former first-round pick an opportunity to show he is the organization’s present and future at the position.
Mark Vientos and Joey Wendle are the other primary players in camp who played third base this spring.
The Mets also pursued J.D. Davis as a free-agent option who could provide insurance, but he ultimately signed with Oakland because of the opportunity for guaranteed playing time.
Baty has the highest ceiling as a total package from that group, and the Mets will begin discovering with Thursday’s opener at Citi Field whether he is the answer at third base after his underwhelming rookie season.