PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 20: Brett Baty #22 of the New York Mets in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during game two of a double header at Citizens Bank Park on August 20, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
New York Mets fans are rightfully disgruntled because Brett Baty did just about everything right just to not make the opening day roster.
The 23-year-old made quite the impression in spring training.
With his bat, he slashed .325/.460/.425, hit 3 balls over the wall, and knocked in seven runs.
Some critics have drawn concerns over Baty’s defense – but he made multiple impressive desperation plays and throws to first base. This area could have very well been improved in the offseason.
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Heck, even Mets bench coach Eric Chavez admitted Baty is ready for the MLB during spring training.
“He’s a big-league third baseman,” he told Newsday. “There’s not even a question in my mind. Now it’s proving it to himself.”
But yet, the Mets decided to go in a different direction for now and will elect to use Eduardo Escobar as its third baseman.
That comes despite Escobar’s batting average only being .118 in spring training games, as he went to represent Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.
Now without question, Escobar is a capable player – who is coming off a memorable September. However, it’s hard to argue that he isn’t getting the veteran benefit of the doubt from Mets manager Buck Showalter.
And Mets fans aren’t too happy about it.
One Twitter user said: “We are forever a feeble franchise. Clearly we don’t want to put the best players on the field, which is quite embarrassing.”
Another tweeted: “And that’s another reason why the Braves will probably win the division, again. How come they always seem to know how to reload their roster with good young players while the Mets are committed to sending out useless has-beens like Ruff & Pham?”
A third said while calling for the job of general manager Billy Eppler: “No matter how great ownership is we still have clowns making the decisions. Eppler needs to go.”
To make matters worse, Baty has nothing left to prove in the minor leagues.
In AAA for 2022 Baty hit .364/.462/.364.
While Mets fans and Baty are left puzzled by the decision made by the organization, he could still be a big piece of the team’s future.
Expect Baty to be one of the first call-ups should someone go down with an injury.
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