Meet the Mets Prospects Poised to Shake Up the Corner Infield in 2025

With uncertainty looming over Pete Alonso's future with the New York Mets, one thing is clear: opportunity is knocking loud and clear for some of the organization's brightest prospects. From breakout seasons to under-the-radar risers, the Mets may already have the answers to their corner infield dilemma brewing within their own farm system. Let’s dive into some of the key names poised to potentially anchor first and third base for years to come.

Mark Vientos: The Certified Powerhouse

Mark Vientos has established himself as a star of the foreseeable future. The 25-year-old slugger, who recently turned heads in 2024 with a breakout performance, has proven his bat is ready for the prime stage. Posting an electric .837 OPS with 27 home runs in the regular season and a jaw-dropping .998 OPS in the playoffs, Vientos has cemented his role as a cornerstone piece for the Mets.

Vientos’ versatility remains a key question: is he a long-term third baseman or destined for first? His defense at either corner has room for improvement, but his offensive value is undeniable. With four more years of club control, the Mets could even consider extending him to keep this powerhouse in Queens for the long term.

The Competition: Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, and Luisangel Acuña

With third base and potentially first base wide open, younger players like Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, and Luisangel Acuña are vying for a slice of the pie. While Baty is defensively competent at third, his offensive breakout has yet to materialize. The Mets could hand him the keys for one last opportunity this season before pivoting.

Mauricio, meanwhile, has begun transitioning from shortstop to third base and could see extended run this year. His natural tools provide plenty of hope, but the Mets want to ensure he’s equally viable over a long stretch. Then there’s Acuña, the speedy infielder who also has center-field potential and Gold Glove-caliber defense at second base. While his future at third base is uncertain, his athleticism makes him an intriguing long-term utility weapon.

Ryan Clifford: The Future First Baseman?

If there’s one prospect demanding attention, it’s Ryan Clifford. Acquired from the Astros in the Justin Verlander trade, Clifford has impressed with his raw power and patience at the plate. At just 21 years old, he led the Eastern League in home runs for much of his stint in Double-A.

Defensively, Clifford projects as a first baseman more than an outfielder due to his limited agility but big arm strength. With an outside shot at cracking Triple-A this year and full MLB readiness by 2026, Clifford represents a potential long-term answer at first base. His left-handed power is something the Mets lineup has been craving.

Jesus Baez: A Rising Defensive Asset

Another name quickly climbing prospect rankings is Jesus Baez. Placing third in Baseball America’s Mets Top 10 list, Baez is a former shortstop with a cannon arm, now thriving as a third baseman. Despite battling injuries, his offensive upside and defensive prowess make him one to watch.

Baez thrived during his time in Low-A, hitting for both power and average while striking out less than 20% of the time. With a strong start in High-A or Double-A in 2025, Baez could make Mets fans wonder whether he’s the answer at third for years to come.

Boston Baro, Jacob Reimer, and the Wild Cards

Beneath the top-tier prospects, names like Boston Baro and Jacob Reimer bring intrigue with their offensive and defensive skill sets. Baro has shown natural instincts at third base, and with a solid showing in High-A, could climb the ranks quickly.

Meanwhile, Reimer needs a reset after struggling with injuries but remains a former high-draft pick with potential. Lastly, we can’t overlook Luke Ritter and Nick Lorusso, older prospects who are quietly producing in the Minors. While their paths to the Majors may not scream stardom, every organization needs surprise gems.

Looking Ahead

The New York Mets are at a fascinating crossroads. With cornerstone Pete Alonso’s future murky and the potential pursuit of stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. not guaranteed, the club could simply look within. Players like Mark Vientos and Brett Baty represent the immediate solution, while Ryan Clifford and Jesus Baez headline the pipeline of potential stars.

The 2025 season could feature some new names stepping up to the corners of Citi Field’s diamond—big bats, smooth gloves, and boundless hope for Mets fans looking for their next wave of homegrown talent.

The big question is, which of these prospects will claim their spot as a Mets cornerstone? Only time—and this pivotal 2025 season—will tell.