It’s well known that rookie catcher Francisco Alvarez has contributed in a major way this season, but Brett Baty hasn’t seen the same recognition just yet this year.
Of course, a lot of that is the result of his lack of production. Entering Wednesday’s game against the White Sox, the rookie third baseman was hitting just .238 with a .305 OBP, and six home runs and 22 RBI.
In the first two games against Chicago this week, the infielder is showing the potential at the plate that had him as one of the Mets’ top prospects.
On Tuesday, he went 1-for-5 but launched a home run that helped the team to an 11-10 win. And then during Wednesday’s victory, he picked up another hit -- a home run -- in three at-bats while driving in two. While it’s just a small sample size, Baty feels “a lot better” at the plate lately.
“I’m swinging at the right pitches and hitting the ball hard. That’s all I’m trying to do out there,” Baty said after Wednesday’s game.
It’s been a tough year for the rookie, as it has been for the team. But with Baty, the expectations were there and he hasn’t been able to match them so far this season. Worse, sometimes his lack of production in big spots and some defensive failings have magnified his slow start to his major league career.
But the organization has had his back all year and the patience with him is seemingly paying dividends.
"It's an old expression, if they don't bite when they're a puppy, they're not going to bite when they're a big dog,” manager Buck Showalter said of Baty’s ability to bounce back this year. “You see how guys fight back because you're going to face it all through whatever career you have and you got to keep pushing.”
“[Buck’s words] shows the confidence they have in me,” Baty said. “I’m just going to go out there and play my game and try to be the best player I can be.”
Wednesday marked the first time in his short major league career that Baty hit home runs in back-to-back games. Prior to this three-game set with the White Sox, Baty hadn’t homered since June 29 against the Brewers.
When he was asked what adjustments he’s made, the Texas native said that all he’s doing is “slowing everything down” while staying within himself and using the whole field. He credits the number of reps he’s had this season as the reason why the game has slowed down for him.
“I try to be the same guy every single day, come in and work really hard and just go out there and compete,” Baty said when asked how he stays within himself when he’s slumping. “When I come in here it’s a new day. Like tomorrow, I’m going to come in here and I’m going to work hard. I’m going to go out there and compete.”
“We play a really long season in this game,” Baty added. “I’m going to be the same guy every single day. No matter if I go 0-for-4 with four strikeouts, make three errors in the field, I’m going to come in the next day and work my ass off. And I'm gonna try to be the best player I can be out there."