Mark Vientos is still learning what it takes to be a big leaguer, but it’s a lot easier to learn on the fly when Francisco Lindor is next to him in the infield.
With Brett Baty working on his game in the low-pressure environment in Triple-A, the Mets have turned to Vientos at third base. There were concerns earlier this season that Vientos wouldn’t be able to play the position long term and he was stuck behind Pete Alonso at first base. His future in baseball is largely predicated on his bat, but the Mets want to make sure he’s defensively sound at both corners.
Finally, he’s getting a chance to play every day at third base. Lindor is helping him make the most of the opportunity.
“He’s really, really helpful,” Vientos told the Daily News at Citi Field before the Mets played the series finale against the Atlanta Braves. “He’s done it for a long time at a high level and I feel like he’s someone I gravitate to and learn from.”
The shortstop has helped him with everything from communication on the field to scouting reports on hitters. Lindor has often been seen before games helping Vientos with positioning or footwork.
There have been marked improvements to Vientos’ defense, even if they aren’t always noticeable to the casual fan.
“I’ve noticed that he’s very aware of the pitches that are coming,” Lindor said. “His anticipation of the pitch has been amazing.”
But of all the improvements he’s made this season, it’s the mental part of the game that Vientos is the most proud of.
“It’s my focus levels,” Vientos said. “I feel like, no matter the situation, no matter if we’re losing, winning or whatever, I’m proud that I stay completely locked in and completely focused until the last pitch. I feel like that’s a skill because this game is so hard that it could take you out with one pitch or one mistake.”
Vientos has made plenty of mistakes this season. He’s made them at the plate and in the field. A younger version of him would get emotional after bad at-bats or defensive miscues. In high school, Vientos would often let one bad swing derail an entire at-bat. The transition to professional baseball helped Vientos understand that he had to be able to recover quickly. The big leagues drove home that point.
If he were to pout in the dugout after striking out or sulk on defense, it could be detrimental to the team. The veterans in the clubhouse have taken the time to talk to the 23-year-old about his mental mindset and his confidence, with Pete Alonso having been a key resource for the Mets’ 2017 second-round draft pick.
“The most important thing is confidence,” Lindor said. “I try to give him a little nugget when i can… In my mind, I’m trying to boost his confidence and help him figure it out on his own. I want him to be the best that he can be the worst version of Vientos, whether it’s at third base, first base, wherever else they put him and at DH.”
The Mets have noticed his confidence and ability to make tougher defensive plays in recent weeks.
“I think Mark has made some plays that some people might think he couldn’t,” said manager Buck Showalter. “He’s moving his feet and he’s getting his feet in position to throw better. All of a sudden, everybody thinks his arm has improved. It’s just the speed that has improved. He’s shown that he can finish plays.”
After being up and down from Syracuse to New York and playing multiple positions this season, Vientos is relieved to finally have some consistency. Though he’s shown some improvements, he has yet to wow the Mets this season. The rest of 2023 is undoubtedly going to challenge him, but he’s hoping a stronger mental approach to the game will help him overcome those challenges.
“I feel like I’m getting to where I want slowly but surely,” Vientos said. “And I’m happy about that.”
Starling Marte (right groin strain) is eligible to come off the injured list next week but the Mets are not planning on activating him on Aug. 16. The club is planning to have him play in rehab games first. However, the outlook is largely positive for the outfielder.
Marte, who had double-groin surgery last winter, received injections and is able to go through a strength routine.
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