Mets Facing Mark Vientos Decision After Jorge Polanco News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Mar 30, 2026 6:14 PM ET

The New York Mets completely revamped their roster this offseason as the front office built around Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor . One of the major additions was left‑handed infielder Jorge Polanco, who signed a two year $40 million deal.

At first, the move was questionable because Polanco had spent his entire career at second base, but the Mets quickly transitioned him to first base at spring training.

Polanco earned the contract after a strong season with the Seattle Mariners. The 32‑year‑old posted a .265 batting average, .326 on base percentage, .821 OPS, 26 home runs and 78 RBIs across 138 games. His start with the Mets has been slow, as he has collected one hit in his first 15 plate appearances.

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64)© Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

To make matters worse, the Mets may not be able to rely on Polanco at first base for the time being. Ahead of Monday’s matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals, the team placed Polanco in the designated hitter spot in the lineup.

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB .com, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced that Polanco is dealing with an Achilles issue the club is being cautious with. The surprise came in who replaced him defensively. Mendoza turned to Jared Young at first base.

Young is a left‑handed hitter with a favorable platoon matchup against right‑handed Cardinals starter Kyle Leahy, but the Mets have a more obvious option at the position in Mark Vientos.

Jorge Polanco has a little bit of an Achilles issue, per Carlos Mendoza. He's still good to DH, but the Mets are being cautious with him.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 30, 2026

Vientos has made one appearance this season, pinch-hitting on Saturday and recording a base hit. Aside from that, the 26‑year‑old has not played, and Monday would have been a natural opportunity for him to step in for Polanco.

Carlos Mendoza Has Mark Vientos Dilemma

If not in this matchup, the Mets now face a larger decision: how do they plan to use Vientos, and will they find a way to get him consistent playing time, or will he remain buried on the bench?

Vientos is coming off a down year in 2025, hitting .233 with a .289 on base percentage and .702 OPS with 17 home runs and 61 RBIs across 121 games. He has been mentioned in trade rumors dating back to last year’s deadline, yet he remains with the organization.

There is still a clear reason to give him opportunities. His 2024 season showcased his ceiling, as he hit 27 home runs with 71 RBIs and played a major role in the Mets run to the NLCS.

With Polanco banged up and the Mets searching for the right lineup mix early in the season, Vientos path to meaningful at bats is right in front of them, and how they handle it could shape the depth of their offense moving forward.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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