Mets former No. 1 prospect could be on the move out west this winter

The New York Mets are expected to make some big news regarding some big names this offseason. However, one move they may be looking to make is regarding a player the organization had big plans for that simply has not panned out. 

Sports Illustrated's Jason Burke explored whether the Mets should look to trade third baseman Brett Baty cross-country to the (no longer Oakland) Athletics. 

Baty, the Mets' top prospect when he made his Major League Baseball debut in 2022, has lit up the minor leagues but struggled mightily in the majors. 

In 169 big-league games, the 25-year-old has hit just .215 with 15 home runs and 55 RBI. It's a disturbing drop-off for the former first-round pick that torched minor-league pitching to the tune of a .283 average with 54 homers and 225 RBI in 325 games.

Baty's path to the majors is now blocked as his former minor-league teammate Mark Vientos has superseded him to be the team's starting third baseman. Baty's minor-league results have begun to wane somewhat, meaning that he may very well need a change of scenery away from the Big Apple.

A change of scenery is exactly what the Athletics are getting for 2025 as well. The A's will not have a feature and official geographical designation for the next few years as the organization plays in a minor-league ballpark in Sacramento.

While it might not be the most appealing destination for Baty himself, the A's could offer him something the Mets can't: a chance to play regularly and develop in a low-pressure environment. 

Away from Oakland and building towards a debut in Las Vegas in 2028, the A's are far from being in "win-now" mode, but at least the team appears interested in building a competitive squad possibly ready to contend by their inaugural Opening Day in "America's Playground." 

The A's feature an assortment of young, talented players at certain positions. However, according to RosterResource, utility infielder Darell Hernaiz is penciled in as the starter at third base. The now West Sacramento-based organization could be quite interested in attempting to breathe life into Baty's MLB career instead.

Burke imagines a trade scenario where the Mets deal Baty to the A's for established MLB veteran Miguel Andujar, who could give New York an established bat off the bench. 

Andujar made his MLB debut in Gotham with the New York Yankees in 2017 and has hit .273 over eight big-league seasons.

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