There was some good to Mark Vientos’ spring training defensive outing at third base and there was some not-so-good.
The New York Mets’ 24-year-old former highly-touted prospect is without a home in terms of his position within the organization.
Originally advertised as a third baseman, his defense had left plenty to be desired in recent years, which made him expendable at the hot corner with Brett Baty also in the mix.
His best chance at getting consistent at-bats still appears to be the designated hitter route. Especially after president of baseball operations, David Stearns opted not to go outside the organization to address a role that has given the Mets issues since its institution in the National League.
Stearns, however, preaches versatility, and Vientos’ best opportunity of getting extra at-bats in 2024 is showing an ability to be competent at third base. He worked on his defense this winter with star shortstop Francisco Lindor and received commendations from manager Carlos Mendoza about the work he’s put in.
His first showing this spring on Sunday afternoon against the Houston Astros provided mixed results.
In the fourth inning, though, he booted a Pedro Leon grounder where he appeared to be stuck in no-man’s land on the bouncer — rather than charging and trying to play for the short-hop, he took the longer route and tried to play it to his side. It bounced out of his glove, which was roughly at shoulder height.
Three batters later, he fielded a soft Dixon Machado grounder well enough to start the turn of an inning-ending double play.
This is what spring’s about, and it’s showing Mendoza what the most important things are to work on with Vientos.
“So far, he’s looked really good out there, but it’s about the game reps,” Mendoza said (h/t SNY). “We saw Game 1 today and there are some things we have to adjust, positioning being one of them. But overall, very pleased with what I’m seeing defensively from him.”
