Mets' Brett Baty Earns Opening Day Start as Designated Hitter Brett Baty has been named the New York Mets’ Opening Day starter, set to play as the designated hitter and bat sixth in the lineup during Thursday’s season opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The decision was announced as part of the team’s preparations for the 2026 season, with Baty facing right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes in the first game. His selection over right-handed-hitting Mark Vientos highlights the Mets’ strategy to leverage Baty’s left-handed power against right-handed starters. Baty, a versatile utility player, is expected to see significant playing time in multiple positions throughout the season. While his Opening Day role is at designated hitter, he is also likely to start at first base when facing right-handed pitching. However, the team has opted to give rookie Jorge Polanco his first career start at first base in the opener, signaling a potential shift in the lineup’s dynamics. The Mets’ decision to prioritize Baty for the Opening Day start reflects his role as a key offensive contributor. His ability to hit left-handed pitching effectively makes him a valuable asset in matchups against right-handed starters, a common scenario in the National League. Baty’s inclusion in the lineup also underscores the team’s focus on maximizing his batting skills while managing the workload of other players. Beyond the Opening Day lineup, the Mets have been monitoring Baty’s progress as he continues to develop his game. Recent updates indicate he is recovering from a minor hamstring injury sustained during spring training, which has limited his playing time in recent weeks. Despite the setback, his presence in the Opening Day lineup suggests the team remains confident in his readiness to contribute at the start of the season.#new_york_mets #paul_skenes #pittsburgh_pirates #mark_vientos #brett_baty
