Mark Vientos was a footballer looking for his opportunity for years. Although he always had raw power, he struggled to be consistent in the upper leagues. When the third baseman for the New York Mets finally came together and became a legitimate middle-of-the-order force in 2024, everything changed.
Not only was Vientos’ breakthrough season outstanding, but it was the type of leap that elevates a player from a supporting cast member to a key batsman. With a 2.9 fWAR, 27 home runs, and a 133 WRC+ in just 111 games, he not only demonstrated his belongingness but also demonstrated his legitimacy as an asset.
The postseason followed, during which he made crucial contributions and solidified his legacy with the Mets. Players with this kind of hitting ability are extremely important and uncommon, particularly when they are young and under team control. In Vientos, the Mets have one.
A Glove That Needs Work and a Bat to Build Around
Vientos isn’t a five-tool player despite his attacking prowess. He’s carried by his bat and his glove. To put it mildly, it’s still a work in progress.
New York City, New York, USA; August 21, 2024; Mark Vientos, 27, of the New York Mets, reacts to his solo home run against the Baltimore Orioles at Citi Field in the seventh inning. Vincent Carchietta of USA TODAY Sports is required to provide credit.
He played 880.1 innings at third base and recorded two alarming defensive statistics: -6 Outs Above Average (OAA) and -6 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS). Not only do the figures suggest difficulties, they validate them. It’s evident from watching him play that his hands aren’t the smoothest, and that ordinary moves may occasionally turn into exciting ones.
However, he did make progress in one crucial area: the precision of his throws. Last season, he made a significant improvement over prior seasons by only making one of his five mistakes at third base on a throw. However, a good throw is only important if the ball is initially fielded cleanly.
A former Mets player says goodbye to the team and supporters
The great slugger for the Mets is about to reach a significant club milestone.
If the Mets make one final big move, they may win the World Series.
Aspirations for Development at the Hot Corner
Vientos, who is 25, still has time to improve his defensive skills. Fielding is a skill that can be improved with enough practice and the correct instruction; it’s not like power
Leave a Reply