Vientos has 1 elite defensive trait and that’s his arm. Moving him to 1st negates that so I don’t get that move. I’m still holding out hope we sign Pete. I could care less that he’s a life long Met but we need his bat. I don’t see the alternative but I do trust Stearns
"But Alonso clearly overplayed his hand. Perhaps if he had played it closer to the middle from the beginning, as in between both Freddie Freeman and Matt Olson in average annual value, he might’ve still gotten the long-term deal he wanted and signed back with the Mets long before this negotiation clearly became toxic."
That's the tragedy in all this. He could have locked in for seven years at a very decent number. Now he's just dangling.
I'm not a fan of moving Vientos to first. We've seen players get moved out of their natural position and have it completely throw them off mentally, including at the plate. He had a great 2024 but is still a bit of an unknown. I wouldn't mess around with him and let him build on last season.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Acuna there and McNeill in left with Brandon in center a lot of the time if his foot is good. We'll have to see. But either way, we may just be looking for someone at third if we can't land the Polar Bear.
Right, I get that. But neither hit all that much, so how much we see them platooning in center is going to depend on what we do in the infield. If Pete is back and we have that pop, by all means let's go with it.
But if we're counting on some unknown level of production at the corner infield positions, we may need some more hits from out there.
Yes first or third… I haven’t given up that there will be a move to someone who can play first to keep Vientos at third… I’d would not mind signing Profar and playing him at first
That would be an interesting solution. So would a trade-and-sign for Vladdy, but I highly doubt Stearns wants to give up prospects for someone he can sign on a free next year for something like the same long-term cost.
It's also possible for Mendy to flip the script and leave Vientos at third and see if, say, Baty can play first. I have no idea if they've played with it or even toyed with the idea, and Brett has to accelerate his improvement curve significantly to make it feasible. I'm just throwing it out there as something I've had in the back of my mind.
But if he can hit .280 with 25 HR and 85 RBI and play great defense, I'd take it over Pete's .240 and 34 HR and 88 RBI and poor RISP number.
If I had to guess though, I'd bet Ronny Mauricio would be the first choice at third if Vientos moves across the diamond. If he's ready.
Really good article except I don't understand the description of Acuna as a "career middle infield prospect". That makes him sound like some kind of retread. He's not. I think it's reasonable to think that among Baty, Mauricio, and Acuna, at least one will hit and I think it's reasonable to think that McNeil had a down year and is your second baseman.
There should be a book written about Pete's contract situation...from when he turned down the long Mets offer to after his next season, wherever that is.
I think at this point I’m placing the blame on the Mets. Alonso acknowledged the market by capitulating to a short term deal. Now we’re low-balling him on AAV. WHO CARES when it’s a 3 year deal?? Give him 3/90 and let’s move on already.
I wonder who actually said "pivot" (outside of Ross on Friends). Was it a word directly used by Stern? Or did someone say it and it was picked by everyone? I agree all the moves made after the "pivot" has nothing to do with first base. I still see Pete returning. It makes the most sense for everyone.
I am in agreement that just moving Vientos to first base is risky. He has played all of 9 games there. I want Alonso back as well but if an agreement cannot be reached, what about trying to trade for Spencer Torkelson who has clearly fallen out of favor in Detroit. Maybe a change of scenery would be good for him. What would the Mets have to give up? Not thinking very much for Tork. Thoughts.....
It is unfortunate Pete hooked his wagon to Boros, he should of and could of been a Met for life. It would have benefited the fans, the organization, himself and his family. What's the point of Canada, his earnings will be cut with taxes. Very unfortunate, hope for the light bulb to go on and see him back here
Vientos has 1 elite defensive trait and that’s his arm. Moving him to 1st negates that so I don’t get that move. I’m still holding out hope we sign Pete. I could care less that he’s a life long Met but we need his bat. I don’t see the alternative but I do trust Stearns
very much agree with your point.
"But Alonso clearly overplayed his hand. Perhaps if he had played it closer to the middle from the beginning, as in between both Freddie Freeman and Matt Olson in average annual value, he might’ve still gotten the long-term deal he wanted and signed back with the Mets long before this negotiation clearly became toxic."
That's the tragedy in all this. He could have locked in for seven years at a very decent number. Now he's just dangling.
Very sad.
I'm not a fan of moving Vientos to first. We've seen players get moved out of their natural position and have it completely throw them off mentally, including at the plate. He had a great 2024 but is still a bit of an unknown. I wouldn't mess around with him and let him build on last season.
I agree with what you are saying but they technically wouldn’t have 3 spots to fill in the infield if they started McNeil at second
I wouldn't be surprised to see Acuna there and McNeill in left with Brandon in center a lot of the time if his foot is good. We'll have to see. But either way, we may just be looking for someone at third if we can't land the Polar Bear.
They added Siri to Taylor just so Brandon doesn't play CF.
Right, I get that. But neither hit all that much, so how much we see them platooning in center is going to depend on what we do in the infield. If Pete is back and we have that pop, by all means let's go with it.
But if we're counting on some unknown level of production at the corner infield positions, we may need some more hits from out there.
Yes first or third… I haven’t given up that there will be a move to someone who can play first to keep Vientos at third… I’d would not mind signing Profar and playing him at first
That would be an interesting solution. So would a trade-and-sign for Vladdy, but I highly doubt Stearns wants to give up prospects for someone he can sign on a free next year for something like the same long-term cost.
It's also possible for Mendy to flip the script and leave Vientos at third and see if, say, Baty can play first. I have no idea if they've played with it or even toyed with the idea, and Brett has to accelerate his improvement curve significantly to make it feasible. I'm just throwing it out there as something I've had in the back of my mind.
But if he can hit .280 with 25 HR and 85 RBI and play great defense, I'd take it over Pete's .240 and 34 HR and 88 RBI and poor RISP number.
If I had to guess though, I'd bet Ronny Mauricio would be the first choice at third if Vientos moves across the diamond. If he's ready.
Good summary of the situation and alternatives.
The key to this whole puzzle may be what Francisco Álvarez contributes to the offense.
Really good article except I don't understand the description of Acuna as a "career middle infield prospect". That makes him sound like some kind of retread. He's not. I think it's reasonable to think that among Baty, Mauricio, and Acuna, at least one will hit and I think it's reasonable to think that McNeil had a down year and is your second baseman.
And I read In reputable sports reporter that Alonzos LIFETIME BA with runners in scoring position is .197. What is this 907 OPA bull???
There should be a book written about Pete's contract situation...from when he turned down the long Mets offer to after his next season, wherever that is.
I think at this point I’m placing the blame on the Mets. Alonso acknowledged the market by capitulating to a short term deal. Now we’re low-balling him on AAV. WHO CARES when it’s a 3 year deal?? Give him 3/90 and let’s move on already.
I wonder who actually said "pivot" (outside of Ross on Friends). Was it a word directly used by Stern? Or did someone say it and it was picked by everyone? I agree all the moves made after the "pivot" has nothing to do with first base. I still see Pete returning. It makes the most sense for everyone.
I'm majorly sick of hearing the word "pivot".
I am in agreement that just moving Vientos to first base is risky. He has played all of 9 games there. I want Alonso back as well but if an agreement cannot be reached, what about trying to trade for Spencer Torkelson who has clearly fallen out of favor in Detroit. Maybe a change of scenery would be good for him. What would the Mets have to give up? Not thinking very much for Tork. Thoughts.....
It is unfortunate Pete hooked his wagon to Boros, he should of and could of been a Met for life. It would have benefited the fans, the organization, himself and his family. What's the point of Canada, his earnings will be cut with taxes. Very unfortunate, hope for the light bulb to go on and see him back here