Brett Baty’s role with the New York Mets has been anything but consistent—he’s bounced from starting third baseman to left fielder to right fielder, and now even spent some time at first base this spring, adding more congestion to an already crowded position. Among all Mets players, no one will likely shape roster decisions more than he will.
Baty is expected to share first base duties with Mark Vientos and Jorge Polanco. While Vientos and Polanco are locks for the roster, there’s uncertainty surrounding several other players—and Baty’s flexibility could heavily influence their fates.
1) Vidal Brujan
Do the Mets really need Brujan? With or without Francisco Lindor, he doesn’t offer much. Tyrone Taylor will likely be the team’s best pinch-runner. Brujan also isn’t a strong enough defender to fill in where needed. Baty, by contrast, could be an ideal late-game defensive replacement at third for Bo Bichette. Essentially, Brujan’s main utility—spot duty at shortstop—becomes less relevant with Baty on the roster.
2) Mike Tauchman
This is a more interesting dilemma. Can the Mets fit both Baty and Tauchman on the same roster? Space is tight. Tauchman is a proven major leaguer who can contribute part-time in various situations. But if Baty proves capable of handling at least some right-field time, Tauchman’s role becomes less clear. The team could rotate Carson Benge in center to give Luis Robert Jr. rest while Baty shifts to right field and Polanco and Vientos rotate between first base and DH. Tauchman is valuable, but significant playing time for him may be hard to come by.
3) Ronny Mauricio
Who will be the Mets’ starting third baseman in 2027? Baty seems like the frontrunner. Mauricio will need to be on a mission to secure the job, but the only scenario likely to get him on the roster is if Lindor lands on the IL. Even then, the simpler solution would be moving Bichette to shortstop and slotting Baty at third. Sorry, Ronny—this seems the Mets’ most straightforward path.
4) MJ Melendez
Melendez has had a decent spring but isn’t expected to make the Opening Day roster. His split contract suggests he’s more of a situational option, available as a minor-league depth piece who can step up during injuries. Barring a disastrous showing from Baty in right field or a string of injuries, Melendez will likely remain a reserve.
5) Carson Benge
Benge deserves another mention. Baty probably won’t prevent Benge from making the team, unless the Mets never intended to give Benge an Opening Day spot. It’s likely Baty will start as the backup right fielder, with Benge or Tauchman starting in some capacity. Here, Baty’s impact is subtler, mostly serving as a reason not to start Benge.