Mets breakout prospect Mark Vientos sets major league goal for 2022
PORT ST. LUCIE — Mark Vientos was lower than two weeks faraway from the excessive of being added to the Mets’ 40-man roster when Main League Baseball locked out its gamers.
So when most of his fellow minor leaguers reported to spring coaching in February, Vientos was nonetheless caught at dwelling, unable to work out on the Mets’ amenities till the homeowners and union finalized a brand new collective bargaining settlement on March 10.
“It was positively robust,” Vientos stated Monday earlier than going 0-for-3 within the Mets’ 3-0 loss to the Marlins. “I used to be itching to be out right here. I used to be ready, counting the times, at all times on social media attempting to determine if that is going to be over or not. However I’m simply glad it’s over and we’re right here.”
Vientos felt the burn of the shortened massive league camp afterward Monday, when he was optioned to minor league camp simply over every week after arriving. However earlier than then, the third baseman was attempting to benefit from his alternative.
Of the Mets’ consensus high 4 prospects — together with Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio — the 22-year-old Vientos is the closest to tasting the main leagues. He made certain of that final yr when he put collectively a breakout season, batting .281 with 25 dwelling runs and a .933 OPS in 83 video games. He spent many of the yr at Double-A Binghamton earlier than a late-season promotion to Triple-A Syracuse, the place he figures to start out this season.
“Clearly I imagine I’m able to making it to the massive leagues, however that’s one thing I can’t management,” Vientos stated when requested about his objectives for 2022. “I’m simply right here to work laborious and study and get higher.”
To present himself a greater shot of reaching the massive leagues sooner, Vientos added left subject and first base to his repertoire final season. He labored with minor league outfield coordinator and former Met Matt den Dekker on positioning and studying balls off the bat, rising extra comfy with left subject by the top of the yr.
“My aim is to be in that lineup, so if I can play any place they want that day, it’s higher for me,” he stated.
Although the 6-foot-4 Vientos might show to be a commerce chip for the win-now Mets — he insisted he doesn’t take note of commerce rumors — his bat might additionally assist him discover a path to Queens earlier than lengthy.
“Very hitterish younger man,” supervisor Buck Showalter stated. “I can see why everyone’s so enthusiastic about him. Very fluid, good bat abilities and actually coming defensively. He’s bought an opportunity to be an impactful man for us down the highway.”
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