Breaking Down The Mets’ In-House Options For The Utility Role

The New York Mets entered spring training with the vast majority of roster spots already locked down.

However, the biggest roster competition intrigue has centered around the final utility spot.

Nick Madrigal now requires surgery and is expected to miss the entire 2025 season. Therefore, that has opened up the field for a number of different names. The in-house competition for that final and all-so important utility role is now really starting to intensify.

To that end, let’s attempt to breakdown each contender.

Brett Baty

Although still very early, it sure seems like the utility job is Brett Baty‘s to lose at this point. The infielder has come out swinging to start spring training. Through four games, Baty is hitting .538/.571/1.077 with two home runs, one double, and three RBIs to go along with a 1.648 OPS.

It has been encouraging to see Baty play with so much fire in his belly after a tough couple of years in the majors. The third baseman got off to a sluggish start in 2024, eventually losing his job at the hot corner to Mark Vientos. After being sent down to the minor leagues, Baty never returned and his status seemed uncertain heading into camp this year.

However, if he can build on this hot start and continue to rake, then a more productive year in The Show could be on the horizon. Also helping Baty’s case is the fact that he has taken reps at third and second base, as well as at shortstop so far in camp. That versatility could give him a deciding edge in the fight for that final roster spot.

Luisangel Acuña

The younger brother of Braves star Ronald, Luisangel Acuña was a September call-up that paid rich dividends for the Mets. The prospect with a high ceiling produced a .966 OPS with three homers and six RBIs in 14 games. Those exploits helped the Mets make a remarkable late surge for a playoff spot. Acuña has built on that with some encouraging moments so far in camp. He also made a first appearance at third base earlier this week.

Acuña certainly has the versatility, range, talent and pop needed to stick around and win the backup infield job. However, there is also a compelling argument to be made that the 22-year-old would be better off starting the year at Triple-A. After all, he wasn’t great offensively for Triple-A Syracuse last year. He posted a .654 OPS in 131 games. Plus, you could also argue that not playing every day could stunt Acuña’s development. Therefore, allowing him to further hone his craft in the minor leagues to at least start 2025 could be the better option.

Donovan Walton

Appearing on MLB Network, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza singled out three players to watch in the battle for the utility infield job. Baty and Acuña were two of the names. Donovan Walton was the third. The 30-year-old would probably be more suited for a backup job because he’s not likely going to develop any further.

Walton also ticks a number of other boxes. He has more major league experience than most of his competitors for the job. And he’s comfortable at second base and at shortstop. That’s crucial because a backup utility player who can play shortstop would mean Francisco Lindor could get some rest here and there. Furthermore, Walton is a lefty bat and the Mets do need a left-handed hitter option on the bench.

Jared Young

Another name to watch in this battle could be Jared Young. Granted, the 29-year-old isn’t a great fit for the role given that he’s more of a corner outfielder and doesn’t play shortstop. However, with that said, Young is a lefty bat who is incredibly versatile. He’s logged a lot of work at second and third base. And he’s most comfortable at first and in one of the corner outfield spots.

Young is probably on the outside looking in as it pertains to this particular race. However, his ability to play a number of positions could give him a fighting chance the deeper we get into spring.

Ronny Mauricio

The talented infielder won’t take part in a Grapefruit League game until near the end of the month. Therefore, he probably wouldn’t be ready for Opening Day. However, if Ronny Mauricio can get fully healthy, there’s no doubt he could be a factor later on in the year.

The former top prospect possesses a lot of pop and he can destroy the hell out of a baseball. He’s also athletic and could make an impact in a number of different ways. There is no doubt that Mauricio still has a high ceiling, and his skillset is incredibly unique.

If whoever ends up winning the backup infielder job begins to struggle, that could open the door for a Mauricio call-up later in the summer. It is certainly a development worth keeping an eye on.

Final Thoughts

There is still a lot of spring training baseball to be played, and a lot can change in just a few days this time of year. However, if Baty continues on his current trajectory, he should win the final utility roster spot. He has a lot of upside, he’s a solid defender and he can rake. If his strong start in camp can be stretched out, I would hedge my bets with Baty.

If Baty cools off and starts to struggle, though, Walton would arguably make the most sense for the backup infield job. He can play a number of positions, including shortstop, and he would give the Mets a lefty bat off the bench.

As much as I like Acuña’s skillset and upside, I feel he would be better served playing everyday in Triple-A to at least start the year. I wouldn’t want to take away reps and risk hurting his development. Young could be a call-up if injuries strike, while Mauricio probably needs a decent stretch in the minors to get himself right.

Again, a lot can change between now and Opening Day. But, as of right now, Baty seems to be in the driver’s seat as far as the backup infielder role with Walton acting as an insurance policy.

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