Mark Vientos Continues to Struggle In Spring Training

Mark Vientos has had an awful Spring Training for the Mets up to this point. In eight games, Vientos has one hit in 25 at-bats, leading to a .040 batting average. In four games in the World Baseball Classic, Vientos went 2 for 15 for team Nicaragua. It’s safe to say this is not a good sign for things to come if Vientos continues to struggle.

Mark Vientos’s Struggles Continue

There is some uncertainty about Vientos’s playing time due to his struggles. However, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has backed Vientos even after his slow start. According to Mendoza, Vientos will be a big player for the Mets come the regular season. “I’m pretty confident that we’re going to get a really good version from Mark Vientos,” stated Mendoza in a postgame conference. It seems as though Vientos has the backing of his skipper, no matter how he’s playing.

Vientos Reacts

Vientos also opened up about his struggles. In a YouTube video from Speaking Of The Mets, Vientos stated, “If I’m putting good swings on balls, especially the fastball, especially good heaters, and making good contact, solid contact, that’s all I really want. Because the season is so long, you get so many [at-bats]. And now, it’s just getting the rhythm of the at-bats, and the timing, and all that.” He does not seem worried right now, given how early in the year it is.

Vientos expanded a little more on his plans at the plate for the season. He stated, “Whatever my plan is at the plate, whatever I do well, I know what I do well. And it’s doing what I do well consistently, and that’s gonna put me in a good position this season.” It’s hard to tell whether this is just bad luck at the plate or the outcome expected for Vientos this season. 

Will He Bounce Back?

It is safe to say Vientos’s season is up in the air if he continues to struggle at the plate. It will also be intriguing to see whether he stays a Met for the rest of the way or is moved by the deadline. As he has no more minor league options left, there are not many routes the Mets can go with Vientos. Their only options are to reduce his playing time, DFA him, or trade him. Of course, it is not fair to write Vientos off either, as we’ve seen him have success in the past.

Vientos will have to show the Mets that he can still be a valuable piece to this team, whether on the field or at the plate. Only time will tell whether Vientos can bounce back from these early-season struggles.