When analyzing Brett Baty defensively, rte one thing that was always present was the arm strength. If he was going to get to a ball, he had the ability to get the out.
Reports heading into spring training were Baty made significant strides defensively. He’s now more agile with more range.
In the New York Mets spring training game against the Houston Astros, we saw that increased range. We also saw the arm:
This is the type of play you see Gold Glovers like Nolan Arenado make. It is not a play you could ever imagine a defensively challenged rookie making.
That’s not to say previous scouting reports were wrong. In fact, they were largely on point at the time. Plays like this are more reflective of the amount of work and effort Baty had undertaken to improve defensively.
Later in the game, Baty would again flash his arm strength. While not as impressive a play was needed, the arm was definitely needed:
This too is an important part of Baty’s defensive development. He’s making the routine plays routine. Certainly, as he exhibited on the play, he can get the speediest of runners.
At the plate, Baty was 1-for-2 with an RBI and stolen base. He’s currently hitting .474. Between his play and Eduardo Escobar reporting to Team Venezuela for the World Baseball Classic, Baty may well earn a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Baty is certainly going to get the reps. He can show off his offensive potential. He can also show his defense is for real and not just a couple of highlight worthy plays. Rather, he can show this is his new normal defensively.
With the noticeably improved defense, the Mets are running out of excuses not to give Baty the third base job. That’s the case whether it’s Opening Day or later in the season.
