NEW YORK — Mark Vientos’ time with the New York Mets during this particular call-up may end up being brief, but he capitalized on the surprise opportunity, warranting at least a discussion on his place with the team. The Mets recalled Vientos from Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday because Starling Marte, who is expected to return Tuesday, went on the bereavement list. Vientos hit the game-winning, pinch-hit home run on Sunday and drew a start at third base Monday.
Before the Mets’ 3-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Monday, David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, was noncommittal when asked about the prospects of Vientos, 24, sticking around. Vientos went 0-for-3 before Joey Wendle replaced him in the eighth inning for defensive purposes.
“We’ll see what happens when Marte gets back,” Stearns said. “One thing I’ve learned in this job is: Don’t make a decision until you have to make a decision.”
Here are a few takeaways on Vientos’ status.
Not an obvious roster fit
The Mets (14-14) called up Vientos for a couple of reasons. Yes, he earned it by playing well in the minors. Also, what other choice did the Mets have? Vientos stood out as the only logical replacement for Marte’s brief absence. The only other position players on the 40-man roster were top prospect Luisangel Acuña and outfield prospect Alex Ramírez, who is in Double A — neither is ready for a call-up from a development standpoint.
At the time, the Mets’ 40-man roster stood at 38 players, so they could’ve selected someone else, but that also would’ve made little sense for such a brief window. It’s easy to put someone on the 40-man roster. It’s a lot harder to take them off and not lose them. Also, the Mets know they need the roster flexibility to add pitchers, which is precisely what they did a day later when they put lefty Danny Young on the 40-man as a fresh arm for the bullpen.
It’s hard to find paths for playing time for Vientos. He plays third base and first base. As long as J.D. Martinez is healthy, designated hitter opportunities are hard to come by. Pete Alonso plays every day at first base. At third base, Brett Baty received the first crack as the starter, and though his bat has slowed after a hot start, Stearns likes how Baty has improved defensively and called the development “really encouraging.” Regarding Baty’s offense, Stearns said it’s important for young players to receive time that allows them to fight through tough stretches.
If Baty continues to start at third base, that would leave only a bench role for Vientos. He’s still a young player who needs time, so that kind of job wouldn’t help his development. A lefty veteran bat, like DJ Stewart (who can be optioned to the minors), may hold more appeal for a team trying to live in both worlds — winning now and developing players for the future.
Defense remains a question
At 2:45 p.m., hours before the first pitch on Monday, Vientos performed extra infield work with third-base coach Mike Sarbaugh. Vientos has always worked hard defensively, but he’s still not a sure thing at third base.
Defense matters to Stearns. When the Mets sent Vientos to the minors near the end of spring training, Stearns mentioned defense as something for Vientos to work on. At Triple A, Vientos split his time at third base and first base, seeing most of his action at third.
“At times it was really good and at times there were some mistakes as well,” Stearns said. “That’s part of a natural progression.”
Vientos made a nice running play on a bunt on Saturday and fielded three other grounders cleanly (an impressive stretch from Alonso saved one play).
In the eighth inning Monday, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza subbed in Wendle for Vientos; Luis Severino hadn’t allowed a hit, so the move was made to tighten up defensively. After Severino walked a batter and allowed a hit, putting runners at the corners, Wendle attempted to turn a double play instead of throwing home on a soft grounder. It didn’t work; a run scored and the Mets recorded just one out on the play. Wendle has endured a tough stretch to start his Mets career, but the veteran is the Mets’ only option on the active roster who can play shortstop or second base off the bench.
Vientos deserves praise
However things go from here, Vientos merits some credit for handling a tough situation. Understandably, he thought he had a great chance at seeing plenty of action with the Mets between DH and third base right up until they signed Martinez at the end of spring training. He was visibly disappointed when he was instead told he’d be starting the season with Syracuse. And all of that happened after he experienced an uneven season in 2023 in terms of opportunities. Despite all that, Vientos continued to produce big numbers in Triple A.
In 98 plate appearances for Syracuse this season, Vientos hit five home runs with a .302 batting average and .923 OPS.
Vientos attributed the ability to keep his disappointment in check to possessing self-confidence. It’s hard to deal with and work through, Vientos acknowledged, but he believes it has helped make him better. He’s secure, not frustrated, he said.
“Mark has handled himself very well,” Stearns said.
(Photo of Mark Vientos: Wendell Cruz / USA Today)