Mark Vientos, a promising third baseman for the New York Mets, has experienced a challenging start to the 2023 season. Vientos had a rough start, going 17 games without a homer. Recently, he showed just how great a player he can be with an electric two-home run performance in an unforgettable four-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals. This turnaround has sparked conversations regarding his role as a key hitter for the Mets as they navigate the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.
In the first few weeks of the season, Vientos was abysmal, hitting a measly .167. Yet, his performance against the Cardinals served as a shift in the tides, as fans and critics alike started to question his lack of offensive prowess going forward. Though he has been promising at times, his numbers have only gone down since entering the league. Compare this to Alec Bohm, his fellow third baseman, who has provided steady performance since being acquired by the Philadelphia Phillies from the Los Angeles Angels.
Despite sharing similar batted-ball metrics with last year’s performance, Vientos’ low walk rate has raised concerns among analysts and fans alike. His lack of walk rate might keep him from being an overall impactful hitter. As a result, he’s developed a reputation as a singles hitter. His deficiency of extra-base power is a huge issue for the Mets. The team seems hopeful that Vientos can find plenty more raw power in his swing to ultimately be a big part of their offensive attack.
Vientos’ potential extends beyond his batting average. He fits as an ideal platoon partner next to shortstop Luis Rojas, providing the Dodgers the ability to play a dangerous matchup game against opposing starters. After showing out this preseason, he has shown the athleticism and prowess to be a game-changer in the starting lineup. As a first-year player, he’s left scouts impressed with his other-worldly pitching prowess. He averages a blistering 96 mph with his four-seamer and recently introduced a new sweeper that features a ridiculous 44% whiff rate.
As the Mets aim to solidify their position in the National League East, the onus will fall on Vientos to elevate his game and provide consistent production at the plate. His recent home run surge against the Cardinals could be the catalyst he needs to turn his season around and fulfill the expectations that come with being a key player for the team.
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