Mark Vientos Continues to Show His Power
Mark your calendars, everyone.
Opening day is getting ever so closer, and Mark Vientos is vying to be a big part of that offensive picture.
That reigned true during the Mets 6-5 walk-off win against the Astros on Wednesday evening, as Vientos launched his third spring homer and worked a walk in four plate appearances.
Vientos’ power showcase came with one gone in the bottom half of the eighth against right-hander Dylan Coleman. After working the count full and fouling off a 3-2 sweeper, Coleman left one hanging, and Vientos crushed it. The 411-foot shot popped off the bat at 100.5 miles per hour.
Mark Vientos deep into the night! pic.twitter.com/Pvx1gAEKKH
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 14, 2024
Earlier in the game, Vientos eyed his way to a free base against Astros reliever Rafael Montero, fouling off three pitches before taking the eighth pitch of the at-bat outside.
“I feel like I could miss-hit a pitch and it would be a home run,” Vientos said in an interview after the game. “I feel comfortable at the plate now. I feel like this past game I had a couple good at-bats, I had a walk in there so I’m happy with that.”
Vientos’ numbers have been slightly underwhelming so far this spring; in 34 at-bats, he’s sporting a .206 average and a .250 OBP. But, his power numbers are exciting — his .500 slugging percentage is slingshotting his OPS to the .750 mark.
What remains to be seen is whether Vientos will get the chance to be the Mets’ everyday designated hitter or at least platoon in that role. Recently, the Mets have been connected with J.D. Martinez and J.D. Davis as pieces that could help solidify the DH position. The Mets also have Ji-Man Choi in camp, and he’s played well this spring with a .966 OPS and more walks (6) than strikeouts (5).
With his confidence up after today’s game and comfort at the plate progressing, Vientos is emerging as a potentially impactful figure in the Mets’ offensive arsenal. Keep an eye on his progression as the spring moves forward.
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