With spring training around the corner, several Mets are already in Port St. Lucie, including prospect Brett Baty. The 23-year-old enters this season healthy after a thumb injury shortened his season a year ago.

"My overall health is really good," Baty said. "I was actually almost ready before we finished the season, but then just took it into the offseason. Just really tried to strengthen it and get it back to normal. It feels really good right now."

Baty played 11 games with New York last season, including hitting a home run in his first big league at-bat. Baty appreciated the opportunity and has a sense of familiarity as he prepares for the 2023 season.

"I thought it was really great for me to get up there and get a taste of the major leagues," Baty said. "Just to be able to go into this year with some experience and being able to know what to expect. Whether I’m there to start or I get up there in the middle of the season. To get that exposure, I feel like it’s going to be really beneficial for me."

While primarily rising as a third baseman, the New York offseason did spark questions as to whether or not Baty could move to the outfield.

“I feel good out there," Baty told Eamon McAnaney on Mets Hot Stove. "I can track balls. My arm plays from any spot in the outfield…My focus now is just trying to get better at third base.”

MLB's 21st-ranked prospect shares a connection in New York with another talented player in the Big Apple with Jets WR Garrett Wilson.

"He moved into my hometown in about the sixth grade," Baty recalled. "We grew up playing football and basketball together. He’s just a good person and a good person to talk to. It’s a pretty cool story that we both ended up in New York."

“I voted a couple of times," Baty added during Mets Hot Stove. "I hope he wins Offensive Rookie of the Year. He deserves it."

With a chance to make an impact in Queens in 2023, Baty aspires to keep improving as a young talent.

"I just want to keep trying to be the best baseball player I can be and help this team win in whatever way possible," Baty said.

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