May 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos (27) bats during the third inning against the Chicago White Sox at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

What's changed for Mark Vientos in 2025?

Originally posted on New York Mets on SI
By Thomas Kelson | Last updated May 29, 2025 9:00 AM ET

The New York Mets’ 2024 season was full of surprises during their run to the National League Championship Series, with none bigger than Mark Vientos’ breakout.

Vientos was initially pushed aside in favor of Brett Baty and J.D. Martinez, but when he got another shot in the majors, he didn’t let it slip. He hit .266 with 27 home runs and delivered in the biggest moments of games. He capped his breakout season with one of the most memorable playoff performances in Mets history, hitting .327 with five home runs and a Mets postseason record 14 RBI in 13 games.

However, in 2025, Vientos has struggled to regain the form and success he showed last year. Although he hit a home run in Wednesday’s loss to the Chicago White Sox, Vientos is still struggling at the plate, currently batting .235 with six home runs and a .690 OPS.

After the game, Vientos spoke to reporters about his season so far and why he believes he hasn’t been able to find his rhythm at the plate.

"I don't know, to be honest with you. I ask myself that too. But I can't really feel sorry for myself, I've got to keep working." Vientos said.

Mark Vientos is asked why it's taken longer for him to get going at the plate this year:

"I don't know, to be honest with you. I ask myself that too. But I can't really feel sorry for myself, I've got to keep working." pic.twitter.com/fuu1TFyYET
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) May 28, 2025

Diving into Vientos’ numbers, there has been little change from last season. According to Baseball Savant, his average exit velocity has dropped less than one mile per hour to 90.4, with other key stats showing only slight declines.

The one stat that stands out in explaining Vientos’ struggles is his barrel percentage. In 2024, he barreled the ball at an impressive 14.1%, placing him in the 92nd percentile across MLB. This season, however, that number has dropped sharply to 6.7%, which ranks in just the 33rd percentile.

Vientos simply hasn’t been able to barrel the ball as consistently as he did last season. If he can make the necessary adjustments to get the barrel on the ball more often, he could quickly rediscover the success that defined his breakout season.

Mark Vientos gets the Mets right back in the game with a three-run shot! pic.twitter.com/eTh2a9a6aH
— SNY (@SNYtv) May 28, 2025

It’s important to remember that Vientos is still a young player in only his second full season. It’s not uncommon for players who shine in their rookie year to face struggles the following season.

Vientos is facing competition from fellow young third baseman Brett Baty, who is emerging much like Vientos did last season with an unexpected breakout. As a result, Vientos has seen his playing time diminish amid his ongoing struggles.

Baseball is a game of repeated failure and constant adjustments, and Vientos needs to continue his evolution to overcome this slump.

This article first appeared on New York Mets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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