Infielder Mark Vientos has hit a roadblock in his career with the New York Mets. The 26-year-old had a career year in 2024, but since then has been widely inconsistent. Any of his productive at-bats are followed by hitless outings. His defense has also declined, resulting in him being benched in favor of Jared Young.
Mark Vientos Has Been Inconsistent
At the start of the season, Vientos was supposed to receive opportunities at first and third base. The plan was to utilize him as a utility player that can also be the Mets designated hitter. Yet, first baseman Jorge Polanco went down with an ankle injury. This resulted in Mark Vientos taking over the hot corner, with most being optimistic at times.
He started the season by recording nine hits in five games but went hitless in his next seven. At the start of May, Vientos had a two-home run game. Yet again, this was followed by another six-game hitless stretch in June. On the season thus far, he has hit 11 home runs and 35 RBI on a .211 average and .641 OPS.
Vientos’ defensive output has also been put into question. He has had multiple instances where he dropped and missed the ball on routine plays during close games. His mistakes in some situations were the difference between the Mets ending the inning.
Potential Replacements
If Mark Vientos remains inconsistent, the Mets can bench him again to use Young at first. Young is a left-handed hitter that has produced 27 hits, 16 RBI, and six home runs in 45 games. On the defensive side, he has been able to make the same routine plays that Mark Vientos has struggled with making.
Additionally, Polanco is coming closer towards returning from injury. He is currently on a rehab assignment and might be able to rejoin the team after the All-Star Break. This can result in him retaking his spot at first base over Vientos and Young. Before the injury, Polanco registered 10 hits, three doubles, and two RBI.
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Polanco’s return can be a concern for Vientos, who does not have a regular place in the lineup. The Mets can use him as a pinch-hitter or find a suitable trade for him at the deadline. Other clubs might be interested in acquiring an infielder who had 110 hits, 22 doubles, 27 homers, and 71 RBI during 2024. A change of scenery could be what Vientos needs to get back on track with his career.
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