It’s been an especially tough season for the New York Mets, as the team just hasn’t put up much of a fight through 68 games played. While winning is a team effort, it appears President of Baseball Operations David Stearns recognizes the struggles Mark Vientos is having at first base.
While talking with media members on Friday, Stearns acknowledged that Vientos, who is 26 years old, has flashed potential, but overall, it just hasn’t been enough, according to SNY Mets. However, Stearns does believe the five-year veteran has what it takes to turn things around and be a consistent player for New York.
“[Mark Vientos is] working over there, and I do believe it’s within his skillset to be a quality first base defender,” said Stearns when asked about Vientos’ defensive skills.
“It hasn’t been his best, and he knows that,” claimed Stearns regarding Vientos’ offense.
David Stearns on Mark Vientos' defense: "He's working over there and I do believe it's within his skillset to be a quality first base defender"
On his offense: "It hasn't been his best, and he knows that" pic.twitter.com/90mMn9Lct4
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) June 12, 2026
Vientos has played 50 games (starting 46) at first base for the Mets this season. He hasn’t been terrible, but it hasn’t been great either. When on defense, the Connecticut native has made three errors and owns a 99.2% fielding percentage.
Offensively, Mark Vientos is on pace for one of the worst seasons of his career. Through 194 at-bats, the Mets’ first baseman has recorded 41 hits, seven home runs, and 26 RBIs, giving him a .211 batting average and .245 OBP.
The good news is there is still plenty of time for Vientos to turn things around. A second-half hot streak could prove to be massive for the Mets. But if a turnaround is going to happen, it needs to happen much sooner, rather than later.
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