Carlos Mendoza’s Spring Training Update: A Focus on Versatility and Development
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza provided an update on the team’s spring training activities, highlighting some critical decisions and player developments ahead of Tuesday’s game. Among the most notable points were the positional flexibility of the team’s young prospects, their readiness to contribute, and the emerging role of Max Kranick in the bullpen.
Brett Baty’s Versatile Role: Second Base and Beyond
Mendoza revealed that third baseman Brett Baty would start at second base in Tuesday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals. This move comes after Baty spent significant time at second base for Triple-A Syracuse last year. Mendoza emphasized that the timing was right, given Baty’s recent offensive momentum. "We want to put him in a position where he’s comfortable," Mendoza explained. "That’s why it took 10 days before we put him at second base. Now that he’s got going offensively, it felt like it was time for him to get a game at second base here in big league camp."
The manager also hinted at the possibility of Baty seeing action at shortstop during the spring. "As far as shortstop goes, we’ll see. If we have to put him on a back field, and if he feels comfortable enough to have a game here on the big league team, we’ll go that route," Mendoza said. This versatility could be crucial, as the expectation is that Francisco Lindor will start and finish most games at shortstop. Baty has also shown his adaptability by working at first base and having some outfield experience, making him a valuable asset to the team.
Luisangel Acuña’s Versatility and At-Bat Considerations
On the same day Baty was taking the field at second base, Luisangel Acuña was set to start at third base—a position he has never played in the minors or big leagues. Like Baty, Acuña is known for his versatility, capable of playing shortstop, second base, and outfield. Both players are competing for a spot on the roster, and Mendoza addressed the challenge of balancing playing time if Acuña makes the team in a reserve role.
"It’ll play itself out as usual. We got guys that take a lot of pride on playing every day," Mendoza said. "You have to be smart with some of them, and we’ll find a way to get at-bats if we need to—when we have to make those decisions." While the Mets recognize Acuña’s potential, there are concerns about his offensive development. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns noted earlier in the spring that Acuña was still an unfinished product offensively. This suggests that the club may need to weigh the benefits of having Acuña play nearly every day in the minors against sporadic opportunities in the majors.
Max Kranick’s Impressive Spring Performance
One of the standout performers during the spring has been pitcher Max Kranick. The 27-year-old has been dominant as he adjusts to a relief role, and his performance has caught the eye of the coaching staff. "The way Kranick is throwing the baseball. Man, he’s putting himself in a really good position because we know he’s gonna help us," Mendoza said. Kranick’s journey has been marked by setbacks, including Tommy John surgery and a hamstring injury. However, his transition to the bullpen has been seamless, with his fastball velocity increasing and his breaking pitches becoming more effective.
During his latest outing against the Miami Marlins, Kranick retired all four batters he faced, striking out three. His fastball touched 97 mph, and his overall stuff was overpowering. So far this spring, Kranick has not allowed a run over 5.1 innings (three appearances), striking out six batters and maintaining a 0.56 WHIP. "Fastball’s got life, the slider, sweeper is really, really good. That’s a guy that’s versatile as far as giving you multiple innings. That’s another guy that’s stood out so far," Mendoza added.
The Importance of Positional Flexibility
The Mets’ focus on positional flexibility is a strategic move that could pay dividends throughout the season. Players like Baty and Acuña, who can fill multiple roles, provide the team with the depth and adaptability needed to handle injuries, poor performances, and the ebb and flow of the regular season. Mendoza’s decision to give Baty experience at second base and potentially at shortstop demonstrates a commitment to developing these players in a way that maximizes their utility and potential.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Development and Roster Decisions
As the Mets continue to fine-tune their roster, the balance between developing young talent and making immediate contributions will be crucial. Mendoza’s approach, which emphasizes player comfort and gradual progression, suggests a thoughtful and player-centric philosophy. Whether it’s Baty’s versatility, Acuña’s readiness, or Kranick’s breakout performance, the Mets are making informed decisions that could shape their future success. The upcoming games and the remainder of the spring training will provide further clarity on how these players fit into the team’s overall strategy.
