METS’ REPORT:The Yankees, dealing with injuries to Stanton and LeMahieu, could target Mets prospect Brett Baty to fill their third base gap. Baty, with his untapped potential, could be just what New York needs. On the Mets’ side, with other infield options like Vientos and McNeil, Baty might be expendable. A trade involving Marcus Stroman could also benefit the Mets’ pitching staff. If the Yankees and Mets strike this rare in-city deal, both teams could come out ahead, but the real question is what it would take to make it happen.…
Mets’ Report: Could Brett Baty Be the Answer to the Yankees’ Third Base Woes?
As the Yankees deal with injuries to key players like Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu, their infield situation remains a concern—particularly at third base. With LeMahieu sidelined and no clear long-term solution at the hot corner, the Yankees could look across town to the Mets and target young third baseman Brett Baty. The 24-year-old prospect has shown flashes of potential but has yet to fully establish himself in the Mets’ everyday lineup. Given the Mets’ infield depth, a trade involving Baty could make sense—especially if it helps them bolster their pitching staff.
Why Brett Baty Makes Sense for the Yankees
The Yankees’ third base options are far from ideal. LeMahieu’s lingering injuries make him unreliable, and while Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera provide defensive versatility, neither has shown enough offensive consistency to lock down the position. Adding Baty, a left-handed hitter with power potential, would give the Yankees a young, controllable third baseman who could grow into a key piece of their lineup.
Baty has been inconsistent at the MLB level, but his upside is undeniable. He possesses raw power, a smooth left-handed swing, and the ability to drive the ball to all fields. His defense at third base has been a work in progress, but with steady playing time, he could develop into a reliable everyday starter. A move to Yankee Stadium could also benefit him, as the short right-field porch would complement his power potential.
Why the Mets Might Be Willing to Trade Baty
Despite being one of the Mets’ top prospects in recent years, Baty finds himself in a crowded infield picture. Mark Vientos, another promising young infielder, has pushed for more playing time, and Jeff McNeil’s versatility allows him to slide into different roles. With Ronny Mauricio and other young players in the mix, the Mets could view Baty as expendable if the right trade opportunity presents itself.
Additionally, the Mets’ focus remains on improving their pitching. While they have made notable offseason moves, their starting rotation still has question marks. Kodai Senga has emerged as a frontline starter, but beyond him, durability concerns exist with arms like José Quintana and Sean Manaea. If the Mets could leverage Baty to bring in a reliable pitcher, the trade could be a win-win situation.
Could Marcus Stroman Be Involved?
One name that could come into play is Marcus Stroman. The former Met, now back in New York but wearing pinstripes, has been an effective pitcher throughout his career. However, the Yankees might be open to moving him if it means upgrading their lineup. Stroman’s ability to induce ground balls and keep runs off the board would be a valuable addition to the Mets’ rotation, especially given their need for more stability.
The question is whether the Yankees would be willing to part with Stroman in exchange for Baty. Given Stroman’s contract situation and the Yankees’ need for offense, a deal could be structured in a way that benefits both sides. The Mets could also look for additional pieces in return, such as a bullpen arm or a prospect, to make the trade worthwhile.
What Would It Take to Make This Trade Happen?
In-city trades between the Mets and Yankees are rare, but not impossible. Both teams have made moves in the past, though they tend to be minor transactions rather than blockbuster deals. For this trade to happen, the Yankees would need to be convinced that Baty is the right fit for their third base needs, while the Mets would have to see enough value in what the Yankees offer in return.
If the Yankees are hesitant to part with a proven pitcher like Stroman, they might offer a package centered around bullpen depth or a mid-tier prospect. The Mets, on the other hand, would need to weigh whether moving Baty is worth the return. With Steve Cohen’s front office focused on building for both short- and long-term success, they won’t make a deal unless it clearly improves their roster.
Final Thoughts
A trade involving Brett Baty and the Yankees is an intriguing possibility, but several factors must align for it to become reality. The Yankees desperately need a reliable third baseman, and Baty could be a long-term solution. Meanwhile, the Mets could use the opportunity to bolster their pitching staff. Whether the two teams can agree on the right price remains to be seen, but if they do, this rare cross-town deal could benefit both sides in the long run.
