Brett Baty is putting on a show this spring, seemingly determined to secure a spot on the New York Mets' Opening Day roster. After hitting a two-run homer in the Mets' 5-0 victory over the Houston Astros, Baty has now posted a .545 batting average with two homers and three RBIs in just 11 at-bats this spring. This surge is especially crucial as Baty aims to bounce back from a disappointing last season where he struggled to maintain a starting role, batting only .229 with 16 RBIs before being sent to the minors.

This year, however, Baty's performance has been a bright spot for the Mets, who are hoping to improve after two lackluster seasons. His versatility is also worth noting, as he has been taking reps at second base, positioning himself as a potential backup for the major league squad, especially with the primary starting second baseman, Jeff McNeil, facing competition.

Clay Holmes, known for his ground-ball pitching, has adjusted his approach with MLB’s altered rules promoting stolen bases. In a recent Grapefruit League game where he faced runners, Holmes emphasized working on pickoff plays and managing baserunners effectively, a skill crucial for a ground-ball pitcher. The New York Mets struggled defensively against the running game last season, allowing 140 stolen bases, prompting a focus on improvement in that area for 2025.

Despite past use as a high-leverage relief pitcher, Holmes' experience holding runners will be advantageous as he transitions into a starting role. Through six innings this spring, he hasn't allowed an earned run, showcasing his capability to thrive under pressure. The Mets are also observing the growth of Brett Baty, who hit his second spring training homer, as he fights for a utility spot this season.

The Mets are facing a challenging situation at shortstop after Nick Madrigal suffered a dislocated shoulder during a game against the Cardinals, leaving the club thin in the middle infield. Madrigal, who was vying for a utility role, had just begun playing shortstop in spring training. With no timeline for his return, the Mets must now assess options such as Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuña, and Donnie Walton, who are competing for the spot. Meanwhile, Acuña is seen as an exciting prospect but needs consistent playing time to develop, while Baty is currently being held back due to comfort levels at the position. The potential for signing free agent Jose Iglesias looms, but team management is wary of adding a veteran who might hinder younger players' growth.

Additionally, Max Kranick made strides as he transitioned to a long relief role, showing promise by tossing two scoreless innings against the Marlins. Kranick, recovering from Tommy John surgery and limited by a hamstring injury, is determined to make the roster if he continues to impress. The Mets are also fostering learning opportunities with former stars like Johan Santana and Carlos Beltran mentoring the roster this spring.

Brett Baty showcased his hitting prowess with two hits, including a double, in a 1-1 tie between the Mets and Marlins, signaling potential for a backup utility role this season. Pitching prospect Max Kranick turned in two scoreless innings, demonstrating readiness for a possible Triple-A stint. Both Mark Vientos and Luisangel Acuña also had noteworthy performances, while Mets pitchers generally impressed despite yielding a late run. The team's next game against the Cardinals looks promising.

Juan Soto quickly impressed New York Mets fans during his first game of spring training, hitting a 426-foot home run against the Houston Astros. This marked a strong start for the 26-year-old outfielder, who has transitioned from the San Diego Padres to the Mets. Soto contributed further with a fielder's choice that scored Brett Baty, helping the Mets achieve a 3-0 lead early in the game.

Since his debut in 2018, Soto has amassed 179 home runs and has been particularly productive in the past two seasons, hitting 63 home runs and driving in 218 runs. His placement in the lineup, batting between Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso, raises expectations for consistent offensive production throughout the season.