New York Mets make a decision on Brett Baty

The Mets have decided to send Brett Baty down to Triple-A Syracuse with Jeff McNeil being activated on the roster.

Apr 17, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty (7) throws the ball to first base for an out during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The New York Mets have made their decision on Brett Baty: he's going down to Triple-A Syracuse.

Jeff McNeil has been activated to take his spot. The final spot came down to Baty or outfielder José Azócar, and the Mets opted to keep Azócar on the roster over Baty.

The Mets have optioned Brett Baty to Triple-A Syracuse to clear roster space for Jeff McNeil. No big surprise, though it comes at a time when he had begun hitting, with a .993 OPS over his last eight games.

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 25, 2025

While the decision might upset some of the Mets fan base, it probably was the right call in terms of roster construction and playing time. Azócar had no options left and would have had to clear waivers or the Mets would end up losing him. Baty had one option remaining.

There just was not going to be enough at bats with McNeil in the fold and Luisangel Acuña proving that he needs to be in this lineup more days than not; Acuña also has value as a late-game pinch-runner and defensive replacement. Baty being a left-handed hitter like McNeil also didn't help the Mets if they wanted to go with a platoon at second base.

Read More: When Mets expect Francisco Álvarez, Jeff McNeil to return

Baty made it a very difficult decision on the Mets this past week or so, hitting a long home run off Zack Wheeler on Wednesday and collecting eight hits in his last 27 at-bats. Prior to that, however, Baty was struggling massively at the plate, recording just three hits over his first eight games.

Brett Baty sent to AAA. Azocar is staying.

I don’t have an issue with this decision by the Mets. Baty had an option. Azocar did not. Baty was rarely gonna play with McNeil back.

Emotional side I get it with Baty having a good past week. But the reality is he would barely get…

— Jake Brown (@JakeBrownRadio) April 25, 2025

In a limited sample size, Azócar had three hits in seven at-bats; he also is a good defensive center fielder and gives the Mets another option besides Tyrone Taylor. The Mets may use Acuña there as well, but the 23-year-old only has 35 games of minor league experience in CF.

McNeil also saw a few reps in rehab in CF, but has not played there in his career. The eight-year veteran has experience in both corner outfield spots and gives the Mets another option in case someone goes down or needs a day off at the corner spots; McNeil could also be an emergency CF if the team needs him there.

The Mets also optioned Hayden Senger to Triple-A Syracuse, with Francisco Alvarez taking his spot. New York now has their starting second baseman and catcher back in the fold, which is a major boost to a team that already has the best record in Major League Baseball.