Mark Vientos Heats Up As Spring Winds Down
In a season where the youth movement reigns supreme, the New York Mets are banking on Mark Vientos to excel at the plate, a crucial factor in their quest for a playoff spot in the National League.
Despite facing initial challenges in spring training, Vientos showcased his skills in the Mets’ 9-3 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday and their 3-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Sunday. Of particular note was his standout performance in the second inning of Sunday’s game, where he smashed his second home run of the spring—a notable 100.7 mph, 329-foot blast to right field. This impressive display, coupled with a two-hit game on Saturday, further can solidify Vientos’ position for regular at-bats and a spot on the Mets’ Opening Day roster.
After a 2-for-4 day yesterday, Mark Vientos stays hot and slugs his second home run of spring training.
Nice little stretch after struggling to begin spring.
1-0 #Mets, bottom 2. pic.twitter.com/7pEkkcIewi
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) March 10, 2024
Amid swirling rumors about the Mets’ ties to J.D. Martinez, Vientos’ improved performance not only dispels replacement speculations but also positions him as a reliable DH option. Notably, Vientos struggled last season, hitting just .211 with a 69 wRc+ in 233 plate appearances, falling short of expectations for a player known for powerful hitting all around the ballpark. This is why an improved performance is critical for securing a spot.
President of baseball operations, David Stearns, emphasized this rationale throughout the winter: the Mets need to allocate consistent big-league playing time to players who have excelled at the minor-league level. Vientos is a prime example of such performance, boasting a career Triple-A OPS of .927 over more than 700 plate appearances, with a parallel Double-A OPS of .927 over more than 300 plate appearances.
The Mets must prioritize determining whether Vientos can make an impact at the major-league level, a key advantage gained from their strategic approach in free agency this offseason. Interestingly enough, Vientos stands out in handling high-velocity pitches, slugging an impressive .769 against pitches thrown at 97 mph or faster since his major league debut. While the sample size is smaller compared to returning Mets, his proficiency is evident.
The Mets’ decision on Vientos this spring doesn’t need to be definitive. If Vientos encounters significant struggles, alternatives like DJ Stewart or other adjustments to the everyday lineup will be explored. However, if Vientos wants to secure a roster spot, his continued successes at the plate will force the organization to not look elsewhere.
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