METS’ REPORT:The Yankees, dealing with injuries to Stanton and LeMahieu, could target Mets prospect Brett Baty to fill their third base gap. Baty, with his untapped potential, could be just what New York needs. On the Mets’ side, with other infield options like Vientos and McNeil, Baty might be expendable. A trade involving Marcus Stroman could also benefit the Mets’ pitching staff. If the Yankees and Mets strike this rare in-city deal, both teams could come out ahead, but the real question is what it would take to make it happen.
Mets’ Report: Could Yankees Target Brett Baty to Fill Their Third Base Void Amid Injuries?
The New York Yankees find themselves in a tough spot early in the season, dealing with key injuries to sluggers Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu. As they navigate these setbacks, their infield depth is being tested, and third base has become an area of particular concern. With LeMahieu sidelined, the Yankees may need to explore external options to solidify the hot corner. One intriguing possibility is New York Mets prospect Brett Baty, a young player with immense potential who could help stabilize the Yankees’ lineup.
For the Mets, trading Baty might make sense given their infield depth. With players like Mark Vientos and Jeff McNeil available, they could afford to part ways with Baty if it means addressing other areas of need. One potential trade piece the Yankees could offer is veteran pitcher Marcus Stroman, who could provide a significant boost to the Mets’ rotation. While trades between the Yankees and Mets are rare, this particular deal could make sense for both sides. The big question remains: What would it take to get it done?
Yankees’ Third Base Dilemma
With LeMahieu injured, the Yankees are left scrambling to find stability at third base. While they have in-house options like Oswaldo Cabrera and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, neither has shown the offensive consistency the team needs. The Yankees are built around a powerful lineup, and adding a young, left-handed bat like Baty could provide a long-term solution at third base rather than just a short-term patch.
Baty, 24, was one of the Mets’ top prospects and has shown flashes of promise in the major leagues. His raw power, strong arm, and improving defensive skills make him an attractive trade target. While he has yet to fully break out at the major league level, the Yankees could see him as a long-term investment who could thrive in their lineup, especially in a hitter-friendly environment like Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees’ need at third base is further amplified by the uncertainty surrounding LeMahieu’s health. At 35 years old, LeMahieu has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, and relying on him as the everyday third baseman moving forward is risky. If the Yankees are serious about making a deep playoff run, they may need to be aggressive in addressing this weakness.
Why the Mets Might Be Willing to Trade Baty
On the surface, trading a young prospect like Baty might seem counterintuitive for the Mets. However, given their current roster composition, it might actually be a logical move. The Mets already have multiple infielders who can play third base, including Mark Vientos and Jeff McNeil. Vientos, another promising young player, has shown offensive upside and could be ready for an expanded role. Meanwhile, McNeil provides flexibility, as he can play second base, third base, and the outfield if needed.
Additionally, Baty’s struggles at the major league level in 2023 raised questions about his long-term fit with the Mets. While he has shown potential, his inconsistency at the plate and defensive shortcomings have led some to believe that he might not be a cornerstone player for the franchise. If the Mets feel they can get an immediate return that helps them compete in 2024, moving Baty could be a smart decision.
One area where the Mets could use reinforcements is their starting rotation. With Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer no longer in the picture, the Mets are relying on Kodai Senga and José Quintana to lead their staff. Adding a proven pitcher like Marcus Stroman could help solidify their rotation and give them a better chance of competing in the National League East.
Marcus Stroman: A Potential Trade Piece
Marcus Stroman is an interesting name in this trade scenario. The Yankees signed him in the offseason, but given their pitching depth, they might be willing to part with him if it means landing a long-term third base solution like Baty.
Stroman, 32, is a veteran starter who brings experience and reliability to any rotation. He posted a solid ERA in 2023 with the Chicago Cubs before joining the Yankees, and he has a track record of performing well under pressure. For the Mets, adding a pitcher of Stroman’s caliber would be valuable, especially if they aim to stay competitive in a division featuring powerhouse teams like the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies.
The Mets are no strangers to Stroman, as he previously pitched for them from 2019 to 2021. He was an effective starter during his tenure in Queens, and a reunion could make sense for both sides. If the Yankees are willing to part with him, the Mets might be tempted to pull the trigger on a deal involving Baty.
What Would It Take to Get a Deal Done?
While a straight-up swap of Baty for Stroman is one possibility, the deal could become more complex depending on what each team values. The Yankees might ask for an additional player or prospect from the Mets if they view Stroman as a higher-value asset. Conversely, if the Mets see Baty as a long-term starter, they may want the Yankees to include a secondary piece in the trade.
One factor that could influence negotiations is Baty’s potential. If the Mets believe he can develop into an impact player, they might be hesitant to move him for a pitcher who is already in his 30s. On the other hand, if they view Vientos as their future at third base, trading Baty for immediate pitching help could be a logical decision.
Another wrinkle in this potential trade is the rare nature of Yankees-Mets deals. The two New York teams have historically been hesitant to make trades with one another, as neither wants to be seen as helping their crosstown rival. However, there have been exceptions in the past, and if the deal benefits both teams, they might be willing to set aside their usual reluctance.
Would This Trade Be a Win-Win?
From a Yankees perspective, acquiring Baty would address a major need and provide them with a potential long-term solution at third base. If he develops as expected, he could become a fixture in their lineup for years to come. Meanwhile, the Mets would bolster their pitching staff with a proven veteran, helping them stay competitive in a tough division.
For the trade to be truly beneficial, both teams would need to be confident in their evaluations. The Yankees would need to believe that Baty is ready to take the next step, while the Mets would need to feel comfortable moving on from him in favor of their other infield options.
Ultimately, this potential deal highlights the different needs of both franchises. The Yankees, desperate for infield help due to injuries, might be willing to take a chance on Baty’s upside. Meanwhile, the Mets, looking to strengthen their rotation, could view Stroman as the missing piece.
If the Yankees and Mets can overcome their usual trade reluctance, this deal could be one that benefits both sides. However, as with any trade, the ultimate decision will come down to whether each team believes they are getting fair value in return.
