The Chicago White Sox are actively considering third baseman Mark Vientos from the New York Mets as a prime trade target as they prepare to negotiate deals involving outfielder Luis Robert Jr. ahead of Thursday’s MLB trade deadline. The White Sox see acquiring Vientos as a crucial component in any exchange for Robert.
Mark Vientos’ Injury and Performance Overview
Vientos has struggled with a hamstring injury that placed him on the injured list last month, impacting his play this season. Over 73 games, he has recorded a .226 batting average with six home runs and 27 RBIs. Despite these numbers, Vientos demonstrated significant potential in the previous year by hitting 27 home runs and driving in 71 runs, suggesting his upside remains promising if he returns to form.
Luis Robert Jr.’s Recent Resurgence Boosts Trade Appeal
Luis Robert Jr.’s recent surge has renewed interest from scouts and teams looking for trade opportunities. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, his
“surge over the last week has impressed scouts and defibrillated his trade value, which for most of the season had cratered.”
This uptick is reflected in his statistics from the past 11 games, where he boasts a .982 OPS and a .351 batting average, a stark contrast to his overall season average of .206, the lowest in his six-year career. The White Sox may leverage this momentum to secure valuable assets in return.
Implications for the White Sox and Next Steps
Given Robert’s fluctuating season and Vientos’ untapped potential, the White Sox appear focused on capitalizing on this trade deadline to improve their lineup and roster depth. Pursuing Vientos from the Mets aligns with their strategy to add a player with a strong past performance and future promise. As trade talks progress, the outcome could significantly influence the White Sox’s competitive outlook for the remainder of the season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Mark Vientos?
A. Vientos was sidelined for most of June due to a right hamstring injury from running to first base in a game against the Dodgers on June 2. He played six rehabilitation games with Triple-A Syracuse and now feels prepared to return to the team’s lineup.
Q. Is Mark Vientos Latino?
A. Vientos came into the world in Norwalk, Connecticut. His mom, Katy Wilmor, was originally from Nicaragua. His dad, Carlos Manuel “Charles” Vientos, was born in the Dominican Republic but grew up in New York. Vientos’s father developed a love for the New York Mets and shared his passion for the team and baseball with Vientos.