The New York Mets have been left with few options for their future at third base after star players Carlos Correa and Manny Machado signed deals with other teams.
Correa failed his Mets physical, and Machado signed an 11-year, $350 million contract with the Padres.
It remains to be seen whether the Twins will consider trading Correa, as he has five years remaining on his contract. With Machado off the table, the Mets’ prospects for the position now depends on Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, and Mark Vientos, who will likely start the season at Triple-A.
Francisco Lindor has expressed confidence in Brett Baty, who has been singled out as the favourite for the Mets’ future at third base. However, Eduardo Escobar will likely begin the season as the starting third baseman.
The Mets are still looking to upgrade their lineup, and Baty, Mauricio, Vientos, and Francisco Alvarez are all expected to provide additional power. Baty has already demonstrated his abilities in intrasquad and exhibition games, hitting two doubles and a home run.
The question remains whether these players can all remain in their current positions, as there are some defensive uncertainties about Alvarez, Baty, and Vientos. Mauricio may outgrow his position at shortstop, but he has expressed a preference for playing at third base.
Lindor, GM Billy Eppler, and bench coach Eric Chavez have all praised the players’ improved footwork, and Chavez has expressed confidence in Baty’s defensive abilities.
Baty is currently the favorite for the Mets’ future at third base, with Mauricio expected to remain at shortstop and Vientos moving between first base, third base, and designated hitter.
Baty is highly touted by prospect services, with MLB.com ranking him 17th overall.
The Mets organization is confident in his abilities, and Chavez has guaranteed that he is a middle-of-the-order bat.
The competition for the Mets’ third baseman position is ongoing, and the season will reveal who will emerge as the Mets’ future at the position.
»Carlos Correa and Manny Machado sign deals with other teams«
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