New York Mets Intriguing Youngster Looking to Smash Home Runs This Season
As the New York Mets enter the upcoming season, expectations are a lot different than they were a year ago.
With Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander at the top of their rotation in 2023, they had their sights set on winning a World Series title.
That is no longer the case in 2024.
The Mets' new front office is looking to use this as a bridge year, evaluating which players they can build around while waiting for some large contracts they've spent money on to come off their books.
It's expected that many of New York's top prospects are going to get extended playing time this season to showcase what they can do at the Major League level.
Mark Vientos senses the opportunity in front of him after only playing in 81 total games since being called up in 2022.
The 24-year-old will get a chance to compete for the starting third baseman role during Spring Training, but will also likely be used in the designated hitter spot as well.
One thing that the former top prospect has shown is his ability to mash the baseball.
During his minor league tenure, he blasted 92 home runs and had a slugging percentage of .499. In 65 MLB games last year, he hit nine homers.
New manager Carlos Mendoza told him to just be himself and things will work out at this level.
"I am a power hitter, I can hit the ball [hard] ... so I was like, 'OK, just let me keep hitting home runs,'" Vientos said about his approach this season according to Mike Puma of The New York Post.
The Mets are looking for someone like this intriguing prospect who can bring power hitting to their lineup.
Slugger Pete Alonso is expected to test free agency and there's a real chance New York won't have one of the best sluggers in the game back on their roster.
Vientos could really factor into the franchise's future plans if he goes out and puts together a great season in 2024.
Hitting home runs will go a long way in helping his cause.
