HOUSTON — With the Mets garnering extra consideration than they’ve in practically a decade, a lot of the dialogue this spring has been about find out how to handle the expectations and the added stress that comes together with being a contending group in New York Metropolis that boasts one of many video games greats, Juan Soto. But when there’s one participant the Mets know will meet the second, it’s Mark Vientos.
The third baseman has by no means been at a loss for confidence. Even when he seemingly had no place to play and when he was competing in opposition to one among his finest buddies, Brett Baty. Final 12 months, he went via spring coaching pondering he would have a spot on his first Opening Day roster, solely to be supplanted by J.D. Martinez the week earlier than the beginning of the common season.
The participant known as “Swaggy V” ended up having a breakout season in 2024, hitting 27 house runs within the common season and 5 within the postseason, displaying the baseball world that perhaps he shouldn’t be counted out.
“I’m glad I did, because I’m in the spot I am now.”
The spot he’s now’s batting cleanup and taking part in third base day-after-day. It wasn’t way back that the Mets questioned whether or not or not he may handle the recent nook day by day, however then the Mets wanted offense they usually needed to belief that he was able to deal with the workload.
Protection and baserunning are nonetheless areas of his recreation he’s engaged on, however the Mets are proud of the progress he’s made. However they’ve additionally eradicated the guesswork for him. Not is the risk there that he may very well be demoted to the minor leagues relying if the Mets decide up an infielder on waivers, or if he begins to droop.
“Being assured of his spot on the team has helped him in many ways,” stated supervisor Carlos Mendoza. “He knows he has a place here on the team, and now he’s just got to go out there and work on some of the things he needs to be working on, and go from there.”
It took Vientos a very long time to grasp that expertise alone isn’t sufficient to reach the main leagues. The repetitiveness of the sport received monotonous at occasions, which left him unprepared for when issues didn’t go in accordance with plan.
After which at a sure level, he grew pissed off that he wasn’t breaking via to the large leagues. He wished to be able to make an affect immediately. He wished to be an entire participant instantly. However he needed to be taught that baseball doesn’t work that manner.
“Only took me eight years to finally understand,” Vientos stated. “But it’s understanding and being patient. Just understanding that if you try even harder, it’s going to be even harder for you. It’s like, just let your work and your routine take care of itself, and you’re going to be there to help your team. It’s not trying to do too much. I feel like years before, I would put all of this stress on myself, like, I need to be this right now, or I need to be that right now…
“But it just takes time.”
It’s Vientos’ time to shine. If there may be any stress on him to observe up a robust 2024 marketing campaign, he isn’t feeling it.
“I don’t think pressure is a word for him, especially after what we saw in the playoffs,” Mendoza stated. “There, you could talk about pressure with the way it was applied and how he handled it. Do we think he’s going to struggle? Everybody will struggle, so it’s just a matter of making those adjustments and continuing to fight through it.”
The nice factor is that Vientos isn’t glad. He is aware of that one season means nothing. The work is repetitive for a motive. The routines are essential for correct preparation. Recommendation from older gamers like Francisco Lindor, and his observations of gamers like Soto, and his success final season have helped drive this house.
As he begins the 2025 season, he’s looking forward to extra.
“I feel like I have a lot to prove,” he stated. “I feel like I have a lot of high expectations for myself, and I’m never satisfied.”
