Amazin' Daily Briefing: April 24 2025 – Brett Baty Bolsters Case to Stay with Mets Amid Roster Crunch
With key players returning from injury, the New York Mets are facing difficult roster decisions. Brett Baty’s recent surge, including a clutch home run off Zack Wheeler, strengthens his case to remain in the majors.
Mets Roster Crunch: Baty’s Bat and Acuña’s Ascent Complicate Decisions as McNeil, Alvarez Return
The New York Mets find themselves at a critical inflection point as two key players — Francisco Alvarez and Jeff McNeil — prepare to return from the injured list. Their impending reintegration presents the front office with a classic good problem: too many capable players for too few roster spots. But for someone, it’s bound to end with a ticket back to Triple-A.
Among those on the roster bubble are Jose Azocar and Brett Baty. Azocar’s offensive limitations are well-known, while Baty’s inconsistency this season had him teetering on the edge — until recently. In a pivotal matchup against the Phillies, Baty belted his first home run of the season off ace Zack Wheeler, a moment that might have shifted more than the scoreboard.
While Baty’s overall season numbers (.204/.246/.352, .598 OPS) suggest he’s struggled, a deeper dive tells a more optimistic story. Over his last 28 at-bats, Baty is hitting .286 with an .891 OPS. His glove has also turned heads, showing marked improvement in his footwork and confidence around the diamond — a necessary evolution for someone still seen as a long-term building block.
Contrast that with Azocar, whose offensive profile remains limited. Despite a few multi-hit games, his Triple-A production (.757 OPS over nearly 200 games) doesn’t offer the same upside as Baty’s past dominance (.899 OPS at Triple-A). With the Mets needing to maximize every roster spot, that differential looms large.
McNeil’s return further complicates matters. His ability to play second base, center field, and left field gives manager Carlos Mendoza crucial flexibility — but that only pays dividends if the remaining players on the roster can also contribute across roles or provide high-impact play in their primary positions. Luisangel Acuña, for instance, has become a revelation. The 22-year-old has flashed elite defense at second base while posting a .283 average and .356 on-base percentage. Over the last two weeks, he’s been even hotter, slashing .353 with an OPS near .900 and drawing walks at an impressive rate.
Acuña’s emergence doesn’t just affect the current roster — it alters the team’s outlook for the future. Many within the organization see him as the heir apparent to second base, with McNeil’s versatility allowing Acuña to lock down that position. His speed, defense, and improving plate discipline inject life into a lineup that’s lacked spark at times.
Baty, too, offers long-term value that Azocar simply can’t match. His ability to develop into a dependable infielder, combined with flashes of power and increasing defensive reliability, make a compelling case for keeping him around — even if his playing time is initially limited. With McNeil able to roam, Baty can be slotted in as matchups dictate, maintaining the club’s depth without sacrificing development.
The Mets’ challenge now is crafting a roster that balances short-term success with long-term investment. Mendoza’s approach — getting everyone involved — only works if each player brings something meaningful to the table. And when comparing tools, performance, and potential, Azocar finds himself on the outside looking in.
In many ways, this moment underscores the broader direction of the team. The Mets aren’t just focused on winning the next game — they’re laying the groundwork for a sustainable core. The recent surge from Baty and the steady rise of Acuña are signals of a future that might already be arriving.
As Alvarez and McNeil rejoin the roster, the front office’s decision may already be made. And if it is, the writing seems clear: Baty’s bat and Acuña’s all-around game are too valuable to sideline. Jose Azocar, meanwhile, may be the roster casualty in a numbers game that favors ceiling over stability.
The Mets' 2025 journey is far from written, but with a rejuvenated youth movement and returning veterans in sync, they might just have the right blend of talent and flexibility to navigate the grind of a full season — and maybe even shape the franchise’s next era.
