Brett Batys Mets season boils down to one key ingredient

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets from spring training WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.— Brett Baty was back at third base for the Mets on Tuesday against the Astros, a position he was expected to take last season, but now won’t see much of after the emergence of Mark Vientos. So if Baty is going to play a role on this year’s team, his versatility will be key. He’s played at second — and taken grounders for a day at shortstop. “I enjoy bouncing around,” Baty said after going 1-for-3 in a 7-4 loss to Houston at Cacti Park of the Palm Beaches.

“I feel like I embraced it right away.It’s fun to play anywhere.

I just want to get on the field and help this team win.” To do that, Baty will have to produce more at the plate than he’s done so far in the majors.And this spring, his locker is right next to Juan Soto’s at Clover Park in Port St.

Lucie. Because the superstar Soto plays mostly home games and Baty — trying to make the team — plays primarily on the road, the two haven’t gotten a chance to work much together. Still, the lefty-swinging Baty has tried to take as much as possible from Soto, who is famous for his preparation. “I’ve asked him a few things about hitting and the drills he does and he’s been great,” Baty said.“He does one drill where he hits the ball with the knob of his bat and he told me he did that to be more direct to the ball.

It makes sense and it shows you why he’s so good.” If Baty does take an infield spot on the roster, where he’s currently in a battle with Luisangel Acuña and Donovan Walton, Baty said he expects to pick Soto’s brain more. “Anyone can gain something from being around a guy like that,” Baty said.“Any time you have greatness and talent around you in the clubhouse, you can learn as much as you want.

You can just learn from watching them work on their defense, like with Lin...