The New York Mets are entering the 2025 MLB season with massive expectations thanks to the addition of Juan Soto, who signed the most expensive contract in the history of professional sports during the offseason.
However, the Mets have their fair share of problems heading into the campaign, such as the jumbled mess that is currently their starting pitching staff.
But beyond that, New York is also facing a dilemma in its infield, as Jeff McNeil’s oblique injury has thrown a wrench into things.
As Josue De Jesus of Rising Apple notes, the Mets are currently slated to go into the season with both Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuna on the roster thank to McNeil’s injury, but once McNeil returns, the Mets will have a very difficult decision to make.
“Right now, in the Mets Opening Day roster, the initial scenario could envision a possible platoon situation, with both Baty and Acuna splitting time,” De Jesus wrote. “Acuna’s speed and defensive prowess would have been valuable late-game assets, particularly in close contests. However, with McNeil’s imminent return, the Mets must confront the reality of a roster crunch. One of these promising young infielders will likely be heading to Triple-A Syracuse.”
Of course, it’s a pretty cushy problem to have. Too much talent is never a bad thing, and most teams would probably love to encounter this type of “issue.” Still, there is something to be said for potentially blocking Acuna, a top prospect who shined in brief action with the Mets last year.
Considering that Baty is the more experienced player, you would have to think Acuna would be the one who gets demoted to the minors, especially considering that New York would surely want the Venezuelan native to be accruing regular at bats. That’s something he probably wouldn’t be able to do on the Mets’ major-league roster, unless he wins the starting job over McNeil outright (which isn’t going to happen).
Baty has been a bit of a disappointment in the bigs thus far, posting a .607 OPS over three seasons. However, he owns a lifetime .283/.382/.507 slash line in the minors, and his bat has come alive in spring training. Chances are, he will earn that last roster spot over Acuna if it comes down to it.
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