"It doesn't appear there's any concern with Baty missing the start of the season. There's still over a month until Opening Day, so there's lots of time for Baty to get enough reps before the start of the schedule. Baty had a bit of a breakout in 2025, hitting 18 home runs and slashing .254/.313/.435 for a 111 wRC+. He also seemed to establish himself as a viable defender at both third and second base."
"Coming into 2026, he doesn't have a clear position. The Mets acquired Marcus Semien to cover second and signed Bo Bichette to play third. Baty could roam around the field, playing different spots, perhaps even getting into left field with the departure of Brandon Nimmo. For the early part of the season, there's already a potential change in plans. Shortstop Francisco Lindor recently required hamate surgery."
"DiComo adds that outfielder Luis Robert Jr., Francisco Alvarez and Jorge Polanco will also be slow-played a bit in camp, not playing in the earlier spring games. In Robert's case, the club wants him to focus on strengthening his lower half. Robert can be a borderline MVP candidate when healthy but injuries have often led to absences and slumps. Many of his injuries have been related to his hips or hamstrings. He has six big league seasons but has only once played more than 110 games"
Baty experienced a minor hamstring issue and will be on a slower progression, but there is no expectation he will miss the season start. He produced 18 homers in 2025 and established versatility as a defender at third and second base. The Mets added Marcus Semien and Bo Bichette, leaving Baty without a defined position and suggesting a role that could include left field. Francisco Lindor underwent hamate surgery, creating potential positional shifts. Luis Robert Jr., Francisco Alvarez and Jorge Polanco will be handled cautiously in camp, with Robert focusing on lower-body strength due to past hip and hamstring problems.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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