Mets finally call up exciting prospect after blistering start at AAA
By Kristen Wong
At long last, the Mets are calling up top prospect Brett Baty. Took them long enough.
It only took a splendid spring training, a scorching start at Triple-A, and a streak of poor form from Eduardo Escobar, but Brett Baty is finally joining the New York Mets.
Baty was called up to the majors on Sunday, according to SNY’s Andy Martino, and will start his 2023 season in Los Angeles when the Mets begin their three-game series against the Dodgers on Monday.
Widely hailed as the Mets’ third baseman of the future, Baty was sent down to Triple-A in favor of the veteran Escobar, who has slashed .115/.167/.227 so far this season and has steadily ceded playing time to utility infielder Luis Guillorme.
Escobar was one of the first to comment on Baty’s recent call-up and had nothing but great things to say about the young prospect:
Eduardo Escobar through an interpreter on Brett Baty: “He deserves everything he’s getting right now, now that he’s getting called up. He’s put in the work. He deserves to come up here and play and do what he does because he’s that good of a player. He’s the future of this team.”
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) April 16, 2023
Mets admit their early mistake, finally call up prospect Brett Baty
Baty has enjoyed a scorching start to his Triple-A season, hitting .400 with five home runs and 15 RBIs, and his sheer power should add some muscle to the team’s hitting department.
The top-ranked prospect made his MLB debut in August of 2022 and hit a homer in his first at-bat; however, he, unfortunately, suffered a season-ending injury that required surgery. Baty’s stat line with the Mets during his brief stint included two homers and five RBIs in 11 games, and he slashed .184/.244/.342.
New York had reservations about Baty heading into 2023 due to his lack of experience and defense, but it seems like Baty’s prowess with the bat in recent weeks has ultimately convinced the team’s brass to call him up earlier rather than later.
It’ll be interesting to see how the Mets get Baty on the roster — unless the team is planning to send someone to the injured list, the Mets will probably designate Escobar or Tim Locastro for assignment.
Will the Mets achieve their first sweep of the season against the Dodgers with Baty in the hitting order?
Maybe, maybe not. At least they’re putting their best guys out there now.
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