Luisangel Acuña’s Injury Opens the Door for Brett Baty to Secure a Mets Roster Spot
The New York Mets took a hit during Saturday’s spring training game when one of their top prospects, Luisangel Acuña, was forced to exit early after being struck on his left arm by a pitch. The 23-year-old was in the thick of the competition for an Opening Day roster spot, riding the momentum from his strong late-season performance in 2024, where he batted .308 with a stellar .966 OPS over 14 games.
Acuña’s potential absence is a tough break for the young talent, who has showcased versatility by playing multiple infield positions while also getting reps in center field. However, his injury could open the door for Brett Baty to solidify his place on the roster.
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Brett Baty Could Land the Mets’ Utility Role by Default
Baty is making a strong case for himself this spring, but he initially faced stiff competition from Acuña and Nick Madrigal for the Mets’ utility role. With Madrigal sidelined for the 2025 season due to a dislocated shoulder and Acuña potentially missing time, Baty now appears to be the frontrunner for the spot.
Despite once being a highly regarded prospect, Baty has struggled to translate his minor league success to the majors. Over three seasons and 169 MLB games, he’s posted a disappointing .215 batting average with a .633 OPS. However, his minor league numbers tell a different story he hit .283 with an impressive .889 OPS across five seasons, showing the potential to be a future star.
The Mets already boast one of the most formidable lineups in baseball, featuring Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Mark Vientos. If Baty can finally tap into his offensive potential, he could elevate an already powerful batting order. So far, he’s been red-hot in spring training, racking up seven hits including two home runs across five games.
While Baty might not have a locked-in everyday role, if he keeps hitting, manager Carlos Mendoza will have no choice but to find ways to keep his bat in the lineup.
