Mark Vientos Thriving on National Stage
At the start of this season, the Mets faced plenty of question marks. From the state of the starting rotation after the departures of Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer to the uncertainty surrounding some of their younger players, the team had several key issues to resolve. One of those young players hoping to make an impact was Mark Vientos.
After brief stints in the Majors during 2022 and 2023, during which he struggled to leave a mark, Vientos consistently performed well in the minors. In 2024, the opportunity finally arose for him to prove he could contribute at the Major league level.
Vientos wasn’t rattled by the Mets’ decision to sign veteran J.D. Martinez. Instead, he went to work at Triple-A Syracuse, preparing for his chance. That chance came after the unfortunate demotion of his friend, Brett Baty. When Vientos got the call, he seized the moment, which led to a signature 2024 postseason performance.
His growth since the season’s start has been impressive, and now, he’s shining during the Mets’ postseason push. The 24-year-old, known for his confident belief that he could hit at any level, proved it on Sunday. Despite the Mets falling short in a dramatic 7-6 walk-off loss to the Phillies, Vientos delivered two crucial two-run homers, including a game-tying blast in the ninth inning.
In five plate appearances, he also doubled and walked, nearly producing what could have been one of the all-time great performances in Mets postseason history if the team had held on.
Entering Sunday, Vientos faced Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sánchez seven times, striking out six times. In his 2024 postseason debut, Vientos has arguably been one of the Mets’ most productive hitters, slashing .400/.429/.750 with eight hits, two home runs, one double and seven RBIs through five games.
Although the Phillies bested the Mets with a late-game rally on Sunday, Vientos was and has been, at the heart of the team’s offensive heroics.
You can’t make this up anymore. Tie ballgame.
6-6, top 9. #LGM pic.twitter.com/VAkeVfUtt0
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) October 6, 2024
Those who’ve followed Vientos all season aren’t surprised by his breakout on the national stage. With a .837 OPS, 27 home runs, and a .266 batting average over 111 games, he’s been one of the team’s key power hitters.
As the Mets continue their magical October run, Vientos is now a player opposing teams, including the Phillies, must game plan around. His bat has the potential to help carry the Mets deep into the postseason.
While postseason moments can overwhelm some young players, Vientos has embraced the spotlight, thriving in high-pressure situations. He’s exactly the type of player built for success in New York for years to come. The age-old question of who will cement themselves as David Wright‘s successor at third seems to have been answered.
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