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As the trade deadline approached, Mark Vientos was definitely feeling the pressure. Rumors were buzzing around him, and it was hard not to feel anxious. The Mets slugger was in the middle of a recovery phase, having dealt with a tough slump and a right hamstring strain.
But as the clock struck six on Thursday, he found some comfort in still being part of the Mets roster. Yet, with a crowded lineup of position players, what does the future hold for him this season?
Vientos’ Performance Amidst Competition
Despite a commendable ten-game hitting streak that tied his career high, Vientos has seen his playing time dwindle. One recent game saw him substituted for a pinch hitter during a crucial moment, highlighting the complexities he faces on the field.
The team’s decision to bench him in Saturday’s game against the Giants illustrates the fierce competition for roster spots. It’s a tough environment to navigate, especially as Vientos works to find his groove again at the plate. His current stats tell a modest story: a .235 batting average and a .657 OPS.
“It feels great because I’m moving in the right direction,” Vientos shared, expressing relief in his gradual improvement. While he may not be hitting home runs left and right just yet, the key for him is progress. The lack of power in his hitting is noticeable, with only seven home runs—just two more than his postseason tally last year and only one more over his last 27 games.
Still, there’s a silver lining; since early July, he’s been hitting .317 with a .795 OPS and racked up 10 RBIs during that stretch.
Adjustments and Future Prospects
Initially, Vientos struggled to find his rhythm, often second-guessing his swing mechanics.
However, he soon realized that his swing was cleaner than ever. The turning point? He decided to focus less on the nitty-gritty details of his mechanics and more on recognizing the pitches he wanted to hit. This mental shift has eased the stress of constant adjustments, allowing him to concentrate on making solid contact.
Vientos knows that to secure his spot in the lineup, he needs to boost his batting average and regain the power that used to define his game. Striking the right balance between consistent hitting and power is crucial for his long-term success, especially as he vies for at-bats at third base and designated hitter roles against right-handed pitchers.
Looking Ahead: A Path to Consistency
Thinking back on his previous season, Vientos remembers a 2024 campaign where he faced minimal setbacks. In stark contrast, 2025 has thrown him quite a few curveballs. However, he might have found a way forward by letting go of his relentless quest for mechanical perfection. “That’s where you create the slumps,” he reflected, noting that many players struggle to separate their mechanics from their performance at the plate. This newfound clarity could be a game-changer as he navigates the rest of the season.
With the trade deadline now behind him, Vientos is laser-focused on making the adjustments needed to elevate his game. As he continues to refine his approach both on and off the field, there’s a buzz of optimism that he will reclaim the power and consistency necessary to reach his full potential within the Mets organization.
