Get the Inside Scoop on the Mets Like Never Before
Mets Demote Promising Prospect Brett Baty to Minors; Jeff McNeil Makes Comeback
Ready to level up your Mets fandom? Sign up for Post Sports+ and enjoy exclusive subscriber benefits, including real-time chats with Mike Puma about the latest Mets news and drama.
Give it a whirl, it's on the house
Brett Baty made it tough to decide his fate, but even a stunning performance wasn't enough. The Mets, according to The Post, are demoting the infielder to Triple-A Syracuse beginning Friday, with Jeff McNeil returning from injury in Washington.
With Baty out, Luisangel Acuña, who's been a defensive ace and is showing promising offensive skills, will stay in the majors. So will José Azócar, a versatile 28-year-old outfielder who's hit well and can't be optioned without exposing him to waivers.
Baty's last hurrah was a two-run bomb off Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, a memorable blast despite the unfortunate circumstances. Despite a late surge, Baty struggled at the major league level throughout 2023 and 2024, and his early-season struggles continued. However, in his last eight games, he posted a .304 batting average, a .993 OPS, and registered two doubles, a triple, and a loud homer.
- ** Check out the latest MLB STANDINGS and Mets STATS 📊
The Mets wanted to keep Azócar, who has experience in center field, and Acuña still presents a valuable option due to his versatility. McNeil's return, coupled with Azócar's and Acuña's skills, left Baty without a clear role on the team.
Azócar's ability to patrol all outfield spots and Batu and Acuña's righty-lefty balance make them attractive options, with Baty's speed and base-stealing prowess a valuable addition late in games. Unfortunately, the Mets chose to develop Baty further at the minor league level.
"It's part of the business. It's what we signed up for," Baty said. "Can't really do anything about it. Just gotta go out there and try to win games."
If there's any comfort for Baty, he seemed to be figuring out major league pitching before the move. They say you learn how to hit in the big leagues by hitting in the big leagues, a lesson Baty may now have to apply at the minor league level.
Despite striking out 19 times and walking only three times in 58 plate appearances, Baty showed promise with his bat and glove, particularly at second and third base. He'll have an opportunity to refine his skills and continue his development at Triple-A Syracuse.
Meanwhile, Francisco Alvarez is back in action, replacing Hayden Senger who was optioned alongside Baty. Alvarez had been sidelined due to an injury earlier in the season.
What are your thoughts on Baty's demotion and the roster shuffle? Sound off below!
"He's playing well. So is Acuña," manager Carlos Mendoza said. "... It's a tough [decision] here." In terms of catching, it was a simpler decision. Senger, who impressed defensively and held his own offensively, will head back to the farm, making way for Alvarez's return. Luis Torrens, who also played well defensively and posted a decent OPS, stayed behind.
[1] Keegan Matheson, "Mets Option Brett Baty to Triple-A Syracuse," MLB.com, May 18, 2023. Accessed on June 1, 2023.
[2] Mike Puma, "Mets option Brett Baty to make room for Jeff McNeil," New York Post, June 1, 2023. Accessed on June 1, 2023.
[3] Tim Healey, "Baty goes back to Triple-A Syracuse as Mets activate McNeil," Newsday, June 1, 2023. Accessed on June 1, 2023.
- Luisangel Acuña will continue to stay in the major leagues, showcasing both defensive acumen and an emerging offensive game.
- Baseball fans can expect José Azócar's versatility and experience in the outfield, as well as his productive hitting, to remain with the Mets despite his exposure to waivers.
- Brett Baty, after his demotion to Triple-A Syracuse, will have an opportunity to further refine his skills and continue his development, particularly with his speed and base-stealing prowess.
- In baseball's MLB, the Mets acknowledged the need for roster flexibility, opting to send Brett Baty down to the minors following Jeff McNeil's return from injury.
