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NextImg:Mets’ Brett Baty belts two homers to continue tear since return to bigs

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Brett Baty is making up for lost time.

The infielder, who has seen himself on the Syracuse shuttle each of the past two seasons, got his third straight start on Saturday and homered twice in a 6-5 loss to the Cubs at Citi Field.

It was his second consecutive night with a home run and came after Carlos Mendoza said he won’t force Baty into the lineup, even as he tries to get the infielder playing time following his recent call-up from Triple-A Syracuse due to Jesse Winker’s stint on the injured list.

But after Baty went deep twice — one a three-run shot to the pull side in the fourth and the other to the opposite field in the eighth — Mendoza made one thing clear: “He knows he belongs in the big leagues. He’s a really good big league player. He’s got the skills [and] the tools. We’ve seen it. … He has the confidence that he knows he belongs in the big leagues.”

And Baty also has the awareness to understand he may not stay in Queens once Winker is healthy again if the Mets face another roster crunch.

Brett Baty celebrates with Pete Alonso after belting a three-run home run during the fourth inning of the Mets’ 6-5 loss to the Cubs on May 10, 2025. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

Asked about Mendoza’s comment that he “belongs” in the majors, Baty said, “I don’t make those decisions.”

He also insisted he doesn’t concern himself with where he’ll be in the future other than when asked about it.

What Baty said he’s focused on instead is his work, especially at the plate.

Baty has worked more off high-velocity machines in the cages in an effort to more accurately simulate game situations.

Brett Baty celebrates with Pete Alonso after hitting a three-run homer, one of his two long balls, in the Mets’ loss to the Cubs. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

“The past couple days I’ve challenged myself in the cages and that’s translated on the field,” Baty said. “I make it harder in the cage so I can go out and have the best approach.”

Tylor Megill has also experienced bouncing back and forth to the minors and said he’s been impressed by what he’s seen from Baty.

“You can’t pout about it,’’ Megill said. “You take it like a man, do the work and don’t lose confidence. He knows he’ll be back up to help this team and he came back a completely different player. He’s helping us win games.”

Brett Baty watches his three-run home run during the fourth inning of the Mets’ loss to the Cubs. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

Even before he was sent down last month, Mendoza said Baty had shown improvement.

“Before we sent him down, the last 10 games, there was confidence,’’ Mendoza said. “He was attacking pitches, using the whole field. Since he’s been back, it’s the same thing.”

Mendoza said his priority is keeping all of the position players in a good spot, rather than making sure Baty gets regular playing time.

Brett Baty celebrates with teammates after belting one of his two home runs in the Mets’ loss to the Cubs. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

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But Baty is forcing his way into the lineup.

“I’m just trying to hit the ball hard and have good at-bats,’’ Baty said.

And the longer it’s with the Mets, the better.

“I just try to be the best player I can be,’’ Baty said of potential roster moves. “I don’t make those decisions. … I want to play every single day.”