This is Mark Vientos' last chance...
The Mets also blew another late lead and settled for a split of their series with the Diamondbacks
What’s Up with the Mets? ⚾️
The Mets fell to the Diamondbacks 5-4 at Citi Field on Sunday (Box)
New York took a lead into the ninth inning, but Jake Diekman served up a two run homer to Ketel Marte that proved to be the game winner
Brandon Nimmo and J.D. Martinez delivered back-to-back RBI triples in the middle of a four run Mets 3rd inning
Reed Garrett struck out the side in a perfect seventh inning
This was the sixth time in the last month that the Mets have lost a game when leading after eight innings, and are 11-9 in one-run games this season
Roster Moves 🗞️
RHP Drew Smith (shoulder) activated from the 15-day injured list
LHP Josh Walker optioned to Triple-A Syracuse
Down on the Farm 🌾
3B Brett Baty (Triple-A) 2-5 2 HR, 3 RBI
LHP Joey Lucchesi (Triple-A) 5 IP 0 ER 1 H 2 BB 6 K
OF Ryan Clifford (No. 4 Prospect, Double-A) 1-3 HR, RBI, 2 BB
RHP Brandon Sproat (No. 13 Prospect, Double-A) 7 IP 0 ER 1 H 1 BB 10 K
BOX SCORES
Single-A STL | High-A BRK | Double-A BNG | Triple-A SYR
Today’s Game 🗓
Match-up: Mets (24-35) vs. Nationals (27-31)
Where: Nationals Park - Washington, DC
Starters: RHP Tylor Megill (0-2, 1.60 ERA) vs. LHP Mackenzie Gore (4-4, 2.91 ERA)
When: 6:45 PM EDT
Where to Watch: SNY
This is Mark Vientos’ last shot to prove he should be part of this team’s core ✍️
Right-handed swinging Mark Vientos has crushed 71 minor league home runs since the start of the 2021 season, and for the entirety of the timeframe has been considered one of the Mets best offensive prospects.
The problem has always been—and sadly this is a pretty consistent trend with this team—is that every time he was promoted to the big leagues he was not given consistent playing time.
In ‘22 and ‘23, Vientos would often start a game against a lefty, then sit the next four days. He struggled at the Major League level as a result, but it was no surprise given the circumstance.
No other team consistently puts their highly touted young players in poor situations to succeed like the Mets routinely do, and this has long been one of the most frustrating things the Mets do.
Three months ago, it certainly appeared Vientos would finally get his long awaited opportunity. The Mets were poised to head into the season with him as their regular DH and Brett Baty at third base. Regular playing time is something both of those players desperately need for the club to evaluate how they fit into their future. But the script was flipped dramatically, obviously, when the club inked veteran free-agent J.D. Martinez.
His addition sent Vientos back to Triple-A to start the season—a level where he really has nothing left to prove.
To Vientos’ credit, he swung the bat well in Syracuse during the first month of the season, slashing .284/.376/.500 with six homers and 30 RBI in 31 games, forcing his way back to the Majors. He didn’t pout or feel sorry for himself - rather, he went down, did his job, once again proved he belonged in the big leagues, and so the Mets brought him back in short order.
But it was a rinse/repeat process that was employed for him by the Mets. When he was first called up, it was deja vu all over again for him, as he received spotty playing time and spent far too much of his time riding the pine.
But the equation was changed exponentially when the Mets made the decision to send the struggling Baty down to Triple-A this past weekend. That move now firmly entrenches Vientos at the hot corner every day, it what is almost definitely his last chance to prove he should be here for the long haul.
And honestly, he’s off to an excellent start on that endeavor.
In 56 Major League at-bats thus far, the 24-year-old is slashing .321/.377/.607 with four homers, four doubles, and nine RBI. He’s rapidly becoming a bright spot on an otherwise barren Mets roster, and is someone fans can attach to.
He’s here in part because of his offense, whereas Baty is not because of his lack of offense. But Vientos can play both corner infield spots as well, adding a hint of versatility which allows them to give Pete Alonso the occasional rest of 1/2 rest by moving him to the DH spot.
This has been exciting to watch in the short term, and obviously it remains to be seen how the big picture plays out. But a look around the diamond indicates this Mets position player bunch has very few certainties heading into 2025 and beyond. Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo are here on long term contracts, and Francisco Álvarez has years of team control.
Beyond that?
Most of us hope Alonso is retained via a long-term agreement.
But after that there are significantly more questions than answers. Jeff McNeil and Starling Marte both look like shells of their former selves and have become trade candidates. The aforementioned Martinez will almost certainly be moved in July unless the Mets dramatically alter their season’s trajectory. Center fielder Harrison Bader is only signed through this season and is not part of the team’s future.
This organization desperately needs another young, dynamic hitter to prove he can be an important piece of this lineup. This is Vientos’ chance, and it’s nice to see him thriving with the opportunity.
Around the League 🚩
Seattle got seven shutout innings from RHP Luis Castillo in their 5-1 home win over the Angels
Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman both homered as the Dodgers shutout the Rockies 4-0
Juan Soto connected on two home runs including a go ahead shot in the 9th inning in the Yankees 7-5 win over the Giants
Adolis Garcia drove in a pair of runs in the Rangers 6-0 victory in Miami
I agree it’s getting to the point where both Vientos and Baty have to show something at the MLB level. I’ve been encouraged by Vientos in a small sample size. At least he has power. Baty hit 2 HRs yesterday in Syracuse but in the majors he just pounds the ball into the ground. I hope they both are building blocks but I’ll take 1 at this point.
I really miss Diaz the 2022 version !! Diaz really needs to get a grip - I heard he was crying in the locker room - doesn't he know THERE IS NO CRYING IN BASEBALL ! Then I heard he was talking nonsense about him being willing to change his role to help the team. Maybe Cohen needs to hire a Sports Shrink - for real teams used to have them. Once his shoulder is better Diaz needs to man-up - strengthen his arm - toss a football or wet softball , learn a new pitch , etc.