Mets' Brett Baty getting reps at shortstop

Brett Baty, who is among the Mets players battling for a spot on the bench for Opening Day, is continuing to add to his versatility.

A natural third baseman who has also gotten some decent burn in left field in the minors, Baty added second base to his repertoire last season while playing for Triple-A Syracuse.

And while the focus for Baty for now remains mostly third base and second base, he's also dabbling at shortstop.

"At the beginning of camp, for Brett, he's going to be mainly third and second," manager Carlos Mendoza said on Friday. "Two weeks from now, three weeks from now, we'll see.

"He's taking balls right now at shortstop. He's taking some live reads during BP. But as of right now we told him to just be locked in at third and second base, for now."

If Baty is able to handle shortstop in addition to second base, third base, and corner outfield, he could potentially be in good shape to make the roster out of camp.

It's likely that the main competition for the backup infielder spot will be Luisangel Acuña and Nick Madrigal.

Madrigal, who has only ever played second base and third base in the majors, will also get some looks at shortstop during camp.

Unless the Mets carry Acuña, they won't have an experienced shortstop on the roster capable of backing up Francisco Lindor. And while it's possible Acuña makes the club in a reserve role, it's fair to argue he would be better served getting regular at-bats in Triple-A than playing sparingly in the majors.

As things are currently set up, the Mets will likely enter the regular season with 14 pitchers (six starters, eight relievers) and 12 position players on the 26-man roster.

That would leave room for a four-man bench, which is expected to include one of Jose Siri or Tyrone Taylor (whoever isn't starting in center field that day), catcher Luis Torrens, outfielder/DH Starling Marte, and an infielder. If the Mets carry 13 pitchers instead of 14, it would open up an extra slot on the bench.

Getting back to Baty, he is now boxed out at third base by Mark Vientos, and the potential opening at first base slammed shut when Pete Alonso re-signed. Meanwhile, most DH at-bats are expected to go to Jesse Winker and Marte.

Since Baty really has nothing left to prove in Triple-A, he could have a strong shot to make the Opening Day roster -- especially if he proves that he's able to handle shortstop.