A good Major League Baseball team makes the most of the depth on their 40-man roster.
At some point, any player on the 40-man roster may be called upon to contribute to the efforts of the big league club.
The Mets recalled right-handed hitting Mark Vientos from Triple-A Syracuse on May 15. Now he has assumed the role as the team’s starting third baseman.
Vientos exceeded rookie limits last season, but still is relatively new to the major league roster.
In his 31 games at Syracuse, Vientos went to the plate 133 times. He compiled a stat line of .285/.376/.500/.876, with five doubles, a triple, six home runs, and 30 RBIs. He didn’t try to steal a base.
Vientos, tall and slender at 6-4, 220 pounds, plays both corner infield positions. He played more third base at Syracuse.
About Mark Vientos:
Vientos was a 2nd round selection of the Mets in the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft
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Vientos attended Charles W. Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida, but transferred to American Heritage High School, in Plantation, Florida for his senior season..
Vientos earned his draft status by hitting .417 as a senior at American Heritage. Due to a quad injury, he was limited to playing only 26 games.
Vientos had committed to play at University of Miami, but instead chose to sign with the Mets.
Just 17 at the time, Vientos was the youngest player in his draft class.
As the 59th player taken overall in 2017, Vientos received a $1.5 million signing bonus from the Mets.
MLB suggested a value of $1,094,700 for Vientos’ draft slot, so he received a hefty increase from the suggestion.
A shortstop at American Heritage HIgh, Vientos profiled best as a powerful third baseman.
An introductory article at MLB.com illustrated Vientos had similar traits to Manny Machado.
Vientos grew up in New York, and was always a fan of the Mets. Now he gets to play for his favorite team.
Scouting Mark Vientos:
Due to his power potential, Vientos has always been a well regarded prospect for New York.
Because he was so young when drafted, the Mets have taken their time with the development of Vientos. He has spent parts of seven seasons in the Mets minor league system.
Vientos was first promoted by the Mets on September 11, 2022, at the age of 22.
He played in only 16 games in his debut season, hitting .167, with one homer and three RBIs in 41 plate appearances. He walked five times, but struck out in 12 at-bats.
Last season, Vientos appeared in 65 Mets games, hitting .253 in 233 plate appearances. He did hit five doubles, a triple, and nine homers, while driving in 22 runs. His power began to show.
He exceeded his rookie limits in 2023, but Vientos is still looking for more big league opportunity.
The day following his first 2024 promotion in April this season, Vientos hit a walk-off, 11th inning home run to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals. Vientos’ April 28 home run kept the Mets from being swept in the series.
He was sent back to Syracuse, but returned to the Mets May 15.
Vientos has two outstanding tools to bring to the Mets. Of course, power is his most pronounced skill. However, he also has a very strong arm, making him a fine candidate to play third base.
Vientos can likely hold his own as a hitter, providing a respectable batting average. He will go to the plate seeking to drive the ball out of the park.
Vientos does have a bit of a pronounced upper-cut swing, but that only helps him realize his power potential.
As is the case with many power hitters, Vientos may get his share of empty swings. Strikeouts could be a bit of an issue. However, the power rewards can be worthwhile. He is getting better, and making improved contact all the time.
Slow afoot, Vientos is an average, but improving defender. It is his arm strength that will help him overcome any tardy range or slow movement to balls hit to third base. If the situation arises, he can play first base as well.
Vientos is currently playing regularly at third base for New York. He has been hitting 6th in the Mets lineup, and is hitting well.
Prior to play June 4, Vientos is hitting .339 with five home runs, and 10 RBIs. He has become a tough out, with a good eye at the plate.
Still only 24, Vientos has his entire career in the windshield.
Power is valued in big league baseball. And Vientos flashes power.
As Vientos demonstrated with his April 28 game winning blast against the St. Louis Cardinals, and four homers since, Vientos is making his presence known in the New York Mets lineup.
If the Mets continue to get the power they have seen from Mark Vientos, he could be a weapon in the team’s current and future plans.
