After a dreadful April in which they went 7-19, the New York Mets enjoyed a 16-12 May and have shown some signs of life in June. Regardless, the club sits at the bottom of the National League East standings and has not yet generated the momentum to convince fans or pundits that a massive turnaround is possible.
While many of New York’s players have struggled, first baseman Mark Vientos has been particularly lackluster outside of one or two hot stretches. Once considered a rising power hitter who could potentially blossom into an All-Star talent, the former second-round pick has not been consistent at the plate or in the field. Despite his struggles, Vientos has maintained that his results are a product of tough luck.
“I gotta give myself a little bit of props,” Vientos told Max Goodman of NJ.com, “because last month just a lot of bad luck. But the inconsistency is not something that I want. I’m pushing for better results, working with the coaches and trying my best to be the best version of myself right now. It’s not happening, but I’m working for it, for sure.”
For as confident as Vientos is, it still may be time for the Mets to part with the 26-year-old and attempt to acquire other assets that could make a more immediate impact or offer hope for a better future.
Mark Vientos’ bat does not make up for his defensive shortcomings
Across 111 contests in 2024, Vientos bashed a career-high 27 home runs and put up an .837 OPS. Over 121 games in 2025, he hit 17 home runs and earned a .702 OPS.
2026 has not been kinder to the righty. Through 56 games, he’s hit seven home runs and tallied a .614 OPS. According to Baseball Savant, he ranks in the 13th percentile in terms of Batting Run Value.
The Connecticut native was never known for stellar defense at either first base or third base, but his dip in production has made his glove’s shortcomings more glaring.
According to Baseball Savant, he ranks in the fifth percentile in terms of Fielding Run Value and just the third percentile in terms of Range.
“He’s been on and off,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said of Vientos. “There’s been stretches where you see him play well defensively, and then a couple of plays tonight are routine plays. Some inconsistency there at times.”
Despite the skipper’s opinion on how the campaign has gone defensively, Vientos holds a different view of his play in the field.
“I’ve done a pretty good job over there,” Vientos said.
Regardless of whether or not the Mets can pull off a miraculous comeback and prove themselves as a contender, they may be best served to move off Vientos and attempt to shore up a rotation that is 16th in ERA and 27th in innings pitched.
The league will be watching what Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns decides to do ahead of this summer’s trade deadline, and it would not be shocking to see the executive move the home-grown talent for a piece or two that could better fit their current construction or future aspirations.
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