Vientos, Baty Getting Reps at First Base

The New York Mets may be preparing for a new era in their infield as they look to fill the void left by Pete Alonso‘s potential departure. His exit would leave a glaring hole at first base, forcing the Mets to explore internal and external solutions. Mark Vientos and Brett Baty are stepping up to the challenge with both taking reps at the position as they prepare to contribute to the team in new ways.

Though the Mets have experimented with Vientos at first before, his primary position has always been third base. Over his three-year career, Vientos has played 129 games at the hot corner compared to just 14 appearances at first. Baty, meanwhile, has yet to log a single inning at first base in his entire professional career.

Both players are embracing the opportunity to expand their skill sets.

“They [the Mets] told me to take some reps, for sure. I’ve been taking reps over there, I’ve been getting ready for anything that happens,” said Vientos.

Baty echoed a similar sentiment. “A couple weeks ago David reached out and said…we don’t know what’s gonna happen…so maybe just start taking some reps all over the infield, first base included…just trying to be versatile,” Baty explained.

A major focus for both players has been mastering the nuances of first base, particularly footwork. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza highlighted the importance of this adjustment, saying, “I think it’s more getting comfortable with the footwork around the base…fielding a ground ball…that’s not an issue.”

Vientos, who has been actively working at the position, agreed: “I started a week or two ago, and the footwork around the bag is the main thing, because I’d say I’ve taken millions of ground balls…and I’m kind of just getting familiar with different plays.”

Despite the challenges, Vientos remains laser-focused on the bigger picture. “I love playing third base, but right now, my main focus is, what can I do for us to get to the World Series and win a championship? That’s what I want,” he added.

Vientos certainly did his part in the Mets’ push to the World Series last year, turning in a breakout season. He finished the regular season with a slash line of .266/.322/.516 and carried his success into the postseason, swatting five homers and driving in 14 during the team’s magical run.

As for Baty, he acknowledged that he has plenty of room to grow in his understanding of the position. He expressed a desire to learn from Mets legend Keith Hernandez. “I need to pick [Keith Hernandez’s] brain,” he said with a laugh, referencing the 11-time Gold Glove winner.

Despite higher expectations, Baty has struggled to live up to the hype. In 169 career games—over a full season’s worth—he has yet to fully tap into his potential, with both his power and contact numbers falling short.

In addition to Vientos and Baty, Luisangel Acuña is also seeing new opportunities in the infield. According to Mendoza, Acuña has been taking ground balls at third base and will be part of the battle for the corner infield spots. Mendoza assured reporters that Acuña will continue to get opportunities to prove himself.

The post Vientos, Baty Getting Reps at First Base appeared first on Metsmerized Online.