This season, Mark Vientos has been the breakout player and a must-watch attraction for the New York Mets. Vientos has exploded with his power and average, doing things the Mets never knew he could. In only 80 games played, Vientos would lead nine out of the thirty teams in home runs.
How Mark Vientos Became Mets Breakout Player in 2024
Vientos Has Become a Much Better Hitter
Last season, Mark Vientos would swing out of his shoes, always looking for an extra-base hit or a homer. He was able to rack up nine homers in 65 games. However, he had a lousy average of .211. In 2024, Vientos has racked up 20 homers, 54 RBI, and a solid average of .282.
He has taken a calm approach in 2024 and has used his power for not just home runs but hits. The 6’4’’, 24-year-old already has power that he can use to hit homers, so overswinging is not necessary. He has used that strategy to hit doubles and singles, drive in runs, and get in scoring position. His base running has been below average this season. However, his offensive play in other areas continues to make up for that. The number of strikeouts this season is a little down, and his walks are up, showing his ability not to chase as much. Since joining the Mets, Vientos is tied for the team lead in home runs with Francisco Lindor.
With his double last night, Mark Vientos became the third Met this season to tally 20 homers and 20 doubles ? pic.twitter.com/devhfStUZA
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) August 23, 2024
Vientos Has Been a Lot Better Defensively
At first, Mark Vientos struggled to play well at third base. However, he has since settled in at the hot corner. He has not been as good defensively as Brett Baty would have been, but he has gotten much better. Vientos has gotten stronger at the position and has more than enough arm strength to throw out base runners. He has also improved at fielding ground balls. Vientos has been able to make splendid catches in foul territory, showing that he is, in fact, an MLB-level third baseman.
Mark Vientos makes the over-the-shoulder catch and avoids a collision with Francisco Lindor pic.twitter.com/tK72VZak8C
— SNY (@SNYtv) August 11, 2024
Vientos Could Play Different Positions in the Future
Last year, Vientos played only 19 of his 65 games at third base. He tallied 37 games as DH and 10 as New York’s first baseman. Although he has only played one game as a DH and four games as a first baseman this season, he can play these positions in the future. If Pete Alonso were ever to walk away from New York, Vientos could fill in the void at first base, and New York could use either Ronny Mauricio or Baty in the infield. Also, J.D. Martinez is now 37, meaning that the chances of New York re-signing him are not too likely. Vientos, who could DH in the future, would again allow New York to use other players in the infield.
There has been a combination of factors that have led Mark Vientos to become a breakout star. When all is said and done, without Vientos, the Mets would just not be in the position they are.
Photo Credit: © Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
