New York Mets coach Eric Chavez is a big believer in rookie Brett Baty: "He’s a big league third baseman. There’s not even a question in my mind"

The New York Mets have a bit of a quandry when it comes to third base. With the team expecting to challenge for a World Series title, do they go with the steady veteran hand of Eduardo Escobar or do they throw caution to the wind and saddle up with the top prospect Brett Baty?

Escobar returned to spring training this week after playing for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. Escobar told the New York Post that he's uncertain who's getting the Mets' starting third base job with opening day just over a week away:

"I don’t know. For me, I am coming in here with the idea that I am working hard and control what I can and working and seeing what happens."

Baty has made the most of the time Escobar has been away, logging a .937 OPS in 19 spring training games, while displaying a comfort and defensive prowess at the hot corner that has impressed the team's decision makers.

Mets bench coach Eric Chavez, a former six-time Gold Glove third baseman, is enamored with Baty's defensive skill. He told New York's Newsday newspaper:

"He’s a big league third baseman. There’s not even a question in my mind."

Through 20 spring training games, Baty has impressed offensively as well. He is hitting .342 with one home run, five RBIs, seven runs and two stolen bases.

He had a brief appearance at the end of last season with the New York Mets, hitting .184 with two home runs and five RBIs in 11 games during his major league debut.

Baty does not doubt his skill or his ability to be the starting third baseman for the team with the highest payroll. He told the Post:

"I feel like I can be one of the best players in the game. I think all players should have that mentality and should have that mindset, just because there’s so much failure in this game. You have to be confident every day, and come in and be consistent. That’s just what I’m trying to do. I’m trying to be the best baseball player I can be."

New York Mets have a tough decision to make

Brett Baty of the New York Mets hits a single.

Baty remains a rookie, as his debut last season was far too brief to count as a year of major league experience. It can be difficult for a team to hand a starting role to a rookie. The difficulty doubles when factoring playing in New York, and that difficulty doubles again when considering that the Mets are in "World Series of Bust" mode in 2023.