In an October 17 article, SNY MLB insider Andy Martino asserted that New York Mets infielder Brett Baty could be the key piece that helps the Mets secure 2024 AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal in a potential trade.
After noting that the Mets are probably willing to include any prospect aside from young ace Nolan McLean in a deal for Skubal, Martino wrote, “Because the Tigers are in their window to win, they would probably want MLB talent in addition to top prospects like Jonah Tong and Jett Williams. For what it’s worth, Detroit has expressed interest in Brett Baty in the past.
“The Mets like Baty, but in general are willing to shake up their current position player group. For a pitcher like Skubal, any team would part with good players,” he added.
While it might make sense for the Tigers to pursue Baty in a potential deal, the bottom line is that he’s probably too far removed from his status as a top prospect and hasn’t proven himself enough in the big leagues enough to be a sole headliner in the package New York could send Detroit’s way for Skubal. Therefore, as Martino alluded to, New York would likely have to add several other quality prospects along with Baty.