New York Mets star outfielder Juan Soto currently sits on the injured list. In his stead, infielder Mark Vientos is starting to pick up a bit of the slack in his absence. The Athletic writer Tim Britton listed the team tied for third in their power rankings and Vientos as an early difference maker.
“One of the breakout stars for the Mets in 2024, Vientos had a rough 2025, a rougher spring where he looked lost at the plate, and an inactive first few days of the season.”
In 2024, Vientos broke onto the national scene with a 27-homer season, including a blast in the National League Championship Series. Last season, he recorded a slash line of .233/.289/.413 with 17 home runs. According to Baseball Savant, off-speed pitches were a major factor in his struggles. The Mets’ infielder whiffed on 51.6% of those pitches. This season tells a different story. So far, the 27-year-old is batting .571 (4-for-7) against offspeed pitches.
GettyMets infielder Mark Vientos hits a single against teh San Francisco Giants during am April 5, 2026 game.
Injury Opens Door
As mentioned, Soto will sit on the injured list, with the ability to rejoin the lineup on April 14. Moreover, Brett Baty’s thumb injury also helps his cause. Baty was going to be the one who played in Soto’s absence, not at first base. Now, Vientos will occupy first base with Jorge Polanco, who will stay the Mets’ designated hitter. In the last five games, Vientos is batting an even .500 (9-for-18) with one home run and four RBI.
Mark Vientos has been RAKING
.471 AVG // 3 RBI // 1 HR // .526 OBP // 1.291 OPS
Hoping for a bounce back season from Swaggy V in 2026 🙏🏼#Mets pic.twitter.com/YoLTo9cBEQ
— Fireside Mets (@firesidemets) April 5, 2026
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Building Momentum Leads to Opportunity
When the Mets left St. Louis, losing two out of three games, the offense looked lost. Between mental mistakes and a lack of hitting, the team could not consistently find its way around the bases. Inserting Vienbtos into the lineup gave the team a spark, and a new employee could be the reason.
GettyMets infielders Bo Bichette and Mark Vientos celebrate against teh San Francisco Giants.
Martinez Brings Familiarity and Guidance
When Vientos enjoyed his 2024 breakout, one voice in his ear helped him navigate through the rigors of an MLB season. Back then, veteran outfielder J.D. Martinez served as a teammate and de facto mentor. Now, the recently retired Martinez returned to the team as a special assistant to the president of baseball operations. Vientos himself cites Martinez as a main reason for his success two years ago. Now, back in the fold, the first baseman’s bat came alive.
Mark Vientos and J.D. Martinez reunited 🫶 pic.twitter.com/il34ofhgrj
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) April 7, 2026
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Early Results Need to Become Concrete Habits
After winning the opening series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team dropped a series to the Cardinals and the opening game of the weekend tilt against San Francisco. Three consecutive wins help erase any lingering thoughts of struggling.
Mark Vientos is insanely locked in to start 2026
8-for-17 (.471) / 3XBH / HR / 3RBI / 2BB / 0.5 WAR
Mets corner infield logjam just got more crowded. This man needs to play everyday. Haven’t seen him this confident in a minute. pic.twitter.com/v27OUyZYcw
— jack (@Jolly_Olive) April 5, 2026
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While the bats continue to find their way, the entire pitching staff keeps the Mets in games while the offense figures it out. The staff boasts a 2.53 earned run average. More importantly, their 1.22 WHIP signifies not only efficiency but production.
Granted, everyone will continue to chase the Los Angeles Dodgers, who set the standard for excellence in the sport. The Dodgers possess a devastating lineup. The Mets may not be able to slug with them. However, if the pitching continues to excel, they won’t need to.
For a player that many wanted to ship out of town due to a down season, Vientos’ awakening arrives at the perfect time for a team that needs boosts from more than one player.
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