One of the known areas the Houston Astros are planning to target at the MLB trade deadline is a left-handed bat. Whether that bat’s an outfielder or not, Astros general manager Dana Brown confirmed the team is looking for a left-handed hitter.
In an article from The Athletic’s Chandler Rome, the Astros were linked to an interesting player who hasn’t been named in trade rumors before. Rome named New York Mets infielder Brett Baty as a potential trade target for the Astros.
“If the Mets make former top prospect Brett Baty available,” Rome writes, “he could be an intriguing option, especially with his upside and ability to play second base.”
The former top prospect of the Mets has struggled to establish himself in the Major Leagues over the past three seasons. From 2022 to 2024, Baty played in just 169 games and accumulated negative 0.7 WAR. However, 2025 has been a completely different story.
In his fourth season with the Mets, and at age 25, Baty has finally found a role in the Majors. He’s played in 57 games for the Mets and is hitting .216 with a .404 slugging percentage, good for a .670 OPS. While his OPS+ is still below league average, it’s a much more palatable 90.
While Baty is “ascending” into an everyday player, he’s still a work in progress. For the Astros, taking a chance on Baty, if he were to become available, would make a ton of sense. He’s got some intriguing upside, and with his infield versatility, it’s worth a flyer, especially if the cost isn’t too much.
Rome linking Baty to the Astros is the first time Baty has been mentioned as a potential target for Houston. While the Mets are contending for first in the NL East, Baty could be a piece they send to Houston for one of their starting pitchers once some return from injury.
It’s a potential move to keep an eye on as the trade deadline approaches, as it could make sense for both sides. Houston needs a lefty bat, and an improving Baty could be that player for the Astros.
