The New York Mets have had a busy offseason. Whether fans like or dislike some of the front office’s decisions to bring certain players won’t matter once the 2026 season begins. And for what it’s worth, David Stearns just made a huge splash to sign Bo Bichette to a $126 million contract. A signing that sort of came out of left field now draws question marks about what Brett Baty’s role will be going forward.
There will certainly be trade speculation going forward when you consider Baty really proved himself at the big-league level in 2025, but the Mets might also be able to use Baty’s services in other ways to help them win. A recent report by Mets insider Will Sammon reflects that sentiment.
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Report: Mets to Use Brett Baty in Role Similar to Jeff McNeil
The New York Mets traded long-time infielder Jeff McNeil earlier this offseason, but according to The Athletic’s Will Sammon, the Mets envision Baty being in a role similar to McNeil’s when he was with the Mets.
Towards the end of McNeil’s tenure, New York opted to use the Flying Squirrel as an outfielder.
Now, does this mean Baty will get reps in the outfield? As currently constructed, the Mets’ depth chart in the outfield is very weak, with Carson Benge and Tyrone Taylor set to be in the lineup next season.
There is, of course, still a lot of time remaining this offseason, and the Mets continue to be linked to Cody Bellinger, and a decision from Bellinger’s camp should be coming sooner than later.
Sarah Stier/Getty ImagesThe Mets placed third baseman Brett Baty on the 10-day IL on Saturday with an oblique injury.
Baty has played 299 games in his four-year MLB career, and has a .232 average, 33 home runs, and a career OPS+ of 111.
While it’s been a slow process, 2025 featured Baty finding something in his swing that led to more power. In 130 games last season, he hit 18 home runs (career-high), and also saw career-highs in doubles, slugging percentage, RBIs, and hits.
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Other Mets News
The New York Mets’ infield seems to be complete after signing Bo Bichette.
Other developments include the Mets’ supposed bidding rival, the New York Yankees, deciding to *not* engage in a bidding war for Cody Bellinger, who remains a top priority for the Mets.
As of now, the only other potential suitors for Bellinger are the Yankees (although they may be long shots now), Dodgers, and Blue Jays.
The MLB offseason has just five weeks remaining until Spring Training really gets going.
While the Mets have been active, they still need a starting pitcher, and absolutely have to figure out what the outfield situation is.
Mets fans might be more excited about a Baty/Bellinger outfield combination rather than a Benge/Taylor pairing.
It will also be interesting to see if the Mets pull off any more meaningful trades, as there have been rumors of several external targets being on New York’s radar.
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Mets Insider Reveals Brett Baty Role After Bo Bichette Signing