Mark Vientos was not included in the New York Mets’ lineup for the series finale on Thursday, marking his fourth straight game on the bench and his fifth absence in the last six games. This development highlights an ongoing challenge for Vientos as he competes for playing time amid a crowded Mets roster and his recent struggles at the plate.
Mets Manager Addresses Intense Competition at Third Base
Before Thursday’s game, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza discussed the current situation involving the third baseman’s playing time. Mendoza emphasized that decisions are driven by performance and pointed to the frequent changes in the lineup as the team navigates a tight competition for limited roles.
There’s a healthy competition. You got three third basemen for one spot, or you can make a case that you got four really good players for two spots [including the DH],
Mendoza said.
We saw a stretch where Brett Baty didn’t play for five games; now, he gets an opportunity and he’s performing…the messaging is you gotta stay ready because it happens fast.
—Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager
Vientos’ 2024 Success Contrasts With Current Offensive Struggles
At 25 years old, Mark Vientos enjoyed a breakout 2024 season. Starting in Triple-A, he earned the Mets’ starting third base job in late May after Brett Baty struggled, maintaining a solid batting line of .266/.322/.516 with 27 home runs and 71 RBIs over 111 games. He continued this momentum into the postseason, boasting an impressive .327/.362/.636 slash line with five homers and 14 RBIs in 13 playoff games.
However, Vientos’ production in 2025 has been notably weaker. Over 82 games this season, he is batting .230/.277/.364, with only seven home runs and 32 RBIs. His on-base performance has dipped sharply; he has recorded just five times on base in his last 27 plate appearances since July 30, reflected in a .185 OBP. Additionally, his defense has suffered, ranking next-to-last among qualified <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB third basemen in Outs Above Average with a -8 mark.
Brett Baty and Luis Mauricio Present Strong Challenges for Playing Time
Brett Baty has provided a more reliable defensive presence at third base, showing a +1 Outs Above Average rating, and is currently hitting well. Despite a .715 OPS overall this year, Baty has excelled recently, posting a .350/.409/.650 slash with two home runs, four RBIs, and five runs scored over his last seven games. This improvement adds pressure on Vientos in the competition for playing time.
Similarly, 24-year-old Luis Mauricio offers even greater defensive value with a +6 OAA rating at third base and versatility across the infield, including appearances at second base and shortstop. Mauricio, a switch-hitter, carries a .709 OPS through his first 44 games this season, making him another key contender for a starting role.
Limited Roles Force Vientos to Eye Designated Hitter Spot
With the starting first baseman Pete Alonso rarely taking days off, Vientos’ opportunity to enter the lineup at first base is minimal. Consequently, his best chance to regain regular playing time may come as a designated hitter. Currently, veteran Starling Marte holds the DH role, having hit .385 in his last 15 games and posting a .779 OPS over 232 plate appearances this season. Luis Mauricio started at DH in Thursday’s game against the Atlanta Braves, further signaling the ongoing competition.
Uncertain Future Amid Rapid Changes on the Mets Roster
Mark Vientos faces an uphill climb to reclaim a consistent role in the Mets’ lineup amid strong competition and a recent offensive slump. As Carlos Mendoza noted, the lineup can shift quickly based on performance, leaving open the possibility that Vientos may yet work his way back into the everyday lineup. The situation remains fluid as the Mets evaluate their infield options during this critical stretch of the season.