Mendoza Bullish on Vientos Despite Spring Struggles
The New York Mets fell to the Washington Nationals Monday night, 12-6. Wouldn’t you know it, but the game was actually tied going into the ninth before Douglas Orellena allowed six runs to score.
Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized
While the performance of Carson Benge continues to inspire hope, the struggles of Mark Vientos could raise some eyebrows. Mets fans can hope Vientos will run with his playing time and reclaim his 2024 form, but after going hitless in four at bats on Monday, his slash line this spring dropped to .040/.077/.080.
Vientos has shown he can be a streaky hitter, but he also left the team to play for Nicaragua in the World Baseball Classic and might just need to find his timing. (He also went just 2-for-15 in the World Baseball Classic while playing for Nicaragua.)
Of course, these are exhibition games, and they the best time for Vientos to work through things at the plate. But this year is different from 2025. Vientos does not have guaranteed playing time to start the year. With Jorge Polanco, Brett Baty and Bo Bichette all penciled in across the field and at DH, Vientos has to showcase himself in a limited role.
Manager Carlos Mendoza, meanwhile, is bullish on the prospect of Vientos showing out in 2026. “He’s going to be a big player for us,” he said. “He’s going to be a big bat, and we’re counting on him. I’m pretty confident that we’re going to get a really good version of Mark Vientos.”
Mendoza elaborated after telling the media he reminded Vientos he is part of the team: “We’re not looking for results here, we’re just looking for quality at-bats, and as long as you’re seeing the ball well and swinging it good, that’s all that matters right now.”
Time will tell if Vientos can strengthen his role on the team as the season progresses. But it looks like he will get the opportunity to give it his best shot. But with no more options to the minor leagues, there’s only so much time the Mets can give Vientos to find consistency at the MLB level.
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