"David Stearns saw enough from Brett Baty's strong finish to the 2025 season to know that he had to factor in the Mets' 2026 plans somehow, even if his primary positions have been taken up by others. A natural third baseman, Baty's best chances of increasing his number of at-bats will be by adopting the role of New York's super-utility man, which includes learning and getting comfortable with first base and left field."
"We know he can play third and second. He proved that to us last year. I think we're probably going to add first and left to his toolkit as well. That's a pretty good portfolio if he can get to the point where he's got all four of those comfortably in his bag, he's going to see a lot of time on the field."
"The Mets' potential four-shortstop infield, as Stearns referenced, will feature career middle infielder Jorge Polanco getting his first shot at first base after learning the position during pregame infield work last season with the Seattle Mariners. He has only manned the position for one at-bat and has never recorded a chance. That makes two veteran infielders who will be manning brand-new positions in 2026, and manager Carlos Mendoza admitted that Polanco's transition is the one that is going to take a little bit of time."
Brett Baty finished 2025 strongly and may increase at-bats by becoming the Mets' super-utility man, learning first base and left field in addition to third and second. Bo Bichette signed a three-year, $126 million deal and displaced Baty at third. Marcus Semien occupies second after being acquired in the Brandon Nimmo trade. General manager David Stearns said Baty can play third and second and the team will add first and left to his toolkit. Jorge Polanco will get his first real shot at first base after minimal experience, and manager Carlos Mendoza expects Polanco's transition to take some time.
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