Collapsed Correa Deal Will Give Mets' Top Prospect a Chance to Shine

The New York Mets came close to signing free agent shortstop Carlos Correa, but didn't pull the trigger. With Correa signing with the Minnesota Twins, top prospect Brett Baty will have a chance to shine at third base in the 2023 Major League Baseball season.

After weeks of failing to finalize a contract, the New York Mets let free agent shortstop Carlos Correa walk.

Correa originally agreed in principle to an 11-year, $315 million contract with the Mets. As concerns arose from his physical, the deal collapsed, and Correa instead signed a fully guaranteed six-year, $200 million contract, that could increase in length, based on incentives.

Instead of sticking with Correa, the Mets took a different path. They hope that Eduardo Escobar can take a step forward from his mediocre 2022 season, where he slashed .240/.295/.726 with 20 home runs and 69 RBI. Escobar batted .269 with 35 home runs, 118 RBI, an .831 OPS, and a league-leading 10 triples.

But even if Escobar doesn't progress in his age-34 season, the Mets have a promising young third baseman waiting in the wings, that could make a big impact in 2023.

Brett Baty, 23, is currently the no. 21 prospect on MLB Pipeline. He received a cup of coffee in the big leagues last season, slashing .184/.244/.586 in 11 career games. In 2023, he may be poised for a breakout season.

Baty was selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft out of Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas.

Baty excelled in Double-A Binghamton last season, slashing .312/.406/.950 with 19 home runs and 59 RBI in 89 games. He played just six games in Triple-A, and may need some more polishing at the Triple-A level before returning to the big leagues. But Baty has shown the ability to hit for power and contact.

Signing Correa was really a luxury for the Mets. They didn't need him. It may end up being a blessing in disguise that they didn't take his prospective gigantic contract onto their already historically high payroll. Baty might have been blocked by Correa. Now, he'll get a chance to shine, once he proves himself in Triple-A. He could be a key contributor for the Mets down the stretch of the 2023 season, as they vie for a National League East division title.

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