Mets Make Mark Vientos Decision After Seventh Straight Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 12, 2025 4:07 PM ET

The New York Mets have fallen from contending for first place in the NL East to clinging to the final Wild Card spot in the National League after their losing streak was extended to seven games following a sweep by the Milwaukee Brewers.

The team’s offensive inconsistencies have proven difficult to overcome, as the Mets currently sit in the bottom half of the league in run production, scoring just 4.3 runs per game.

Although the recent struggles of Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo and Juan Soto have contributed to the team’s slide—losing nine of their last ten games—Mark Vientos’ inability to build on his breakout 2024 season has been a major blow as well.

The 25-year-old infielder has struggled to find consistent playing time and has dealt with injuries and underperformance. Over 82 games this season, he’s batting .230 with a .641 OPS and seven home runs.

Mets Bench Mark Vientos Again as Struggles Continue

Ahead of Tuesday’s series opener against the Atlanta Braves, the Mets benched Vientos for the second straight game, with Brett Baty starting at third base and batting ninth.

Vientos also didn’t appear in manager Carlos Mendoza’s lineup card for Sunday’s 7–6 loss to the Brewers.

"Back home. #LGM"

Back home. #LGM pic.twitter.com/wMAVKtDAoQ
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 12, 2025

Vientos’ Roster Spot in Serious Doubt

Vientos has especially struggled as of late, and his role on the team is now in serious doubt. With Pete Alonso and Starling Marte offering better right-handed options at first base and designated hitter, it’s hard to justify placing Vientos in the lineup over either of them. At third base, Baty and Ronny Mauricio provide better defense and have also been slightly more productive offensively.

Vientos still has time to figure it out for New York, but his opportunities are becoming increasingly limited.

He debuted for the Mets in 2022 but didn’t find regular playing time until 2024, when he broke out by batting .266 with an .837 OPS and 27 home runs. In the playoffs, he helped lead New York to the NLCS, hitting .327 with 18 hits, five homers, 14 RBIs, and eight runs scored in 13 games.

The Mets will hope Vientos can show flashes of his 2024 form before he’s trusted with an everyday role again.

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

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