ANAHEIM, Calif. — Brett Batey disappeared from the Mets’ scene two months ago, and with each big hit his replacement at third base seems to recede further and further away.
But despite the success of Mark Vientos, the Mets haven’t forgotten about Batty, who is performing well in his first extended stint at Triple-A.
The 24-year-old Battie began this season as the Mets’ starting third baseman and as of Saturday had batted .274/.373/.524 with 11 home runs and 34 RBIs in 43 games for Syracuse University.
Batty’s time at Syracuse included 17 games as a second baseman, a position he had never played before.
“I thought he was doing well defensively and producing well,” Mets president of baseball games David Stearns said. “Right now we just need him to continue to play defensively and get in the lineup when he has the opportunity.”
Vientos is not offering any opportunities.
After losing his third base position to Batty in spring training, Vientos returned to the Mets in May and quickly flourished, continuing to thrive at a time when the lineup needed a boost.
The 24-year-old Vientos entered the game at Angel Stadium batting .284/.339/.555 with 16 home runs and 42 RBIs in 64 games for the Mets.
Last season, the Mets were short on third basemen, which may have led them to push Batty into the starting rotation before he was ready.
After a strong start for the team, Batty struggled and was traded to Syracuse in August, but returned to the Mets in September as the team continued to search for a third baseman.
It may not be so easy for Batty to return, at least for this season.
“[Vientos] “He’s done a really good job here, so Brett’s job is to continue to get better so that when the opportunity arises he can take advantage of it,” Stearns said.
One possibility is that Batty could be recalled to play left-handed hitter on the bench when rosters expand to 28 players in September.
In the minor leagues, Batty is still considered the team’s best at initiating hard contact.
“He’s hitting the ball hard, and if he continues to do that, I think he’ll be in a good spot,” Stearns said.
Batty was wanted by other teams ahead of the trade deadline, sources said.
The Marlins were a team that showed strong interest, but the Mets never traded for their former first-round draft pick.
“I’m not going to comment on specific players, but I will say that we have had a few players on our team that have been the subject of transfer rumors from other teams, which is not unusual at this time of year,” Stearns said.
Whether Batty has a future with the Mets should become clear by the time spring training begins next season.
Part of the equation will depend on whether the Mets re-sign soon-to-be free agent Pete Alonso over the winter and how the team views the DH position with soon-to-be free agent J.D. Martinez.
Vientos could slot in as a full-time first baseman or DH if needed, potentially giving Batey and Ronny Mauricio a chance to compete at third base.
Mauricio underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee last week to remove scar tissue (he tore his anterior cruciate ligament last winter and had it surgically repaired), but the Mets say he should be able to return soon.
Batty isn’t viewed as a full-time second baseman, but the organization sees value in adding to his versatility.
“He’s put in enough effort that I wouldn’t have any problem putting him there if the need arose,” Stearns said.
