In the world of New York sports, a vote of confidence from Mike Francesa is a bit like getting a weather forecast from a crystal ball. But when Francesa suggests the Mets should give Mark Vientos more playing time, it does make you pause and think.
Francesa's idea is straightforward: play Vientos more or consider trading him before his value diminishes. It's a logical take, but not without its complications.
The Mets, likely open to moving Vientos if the right offer came along, find themselves in a tricky spot. They need pitching depth, but trading a player like Vientos, who lacks a clear position, isn't simple.
Vientos' spring performance hasn't exactly made a compelling case for more time on the field. With an 0 for 10 start, including a couple of strikeouts and a hit by pitch, he's looking to find his rhythm. Slated to split time between first base and designated hitter, Vientos' role could expand, especially if Francisco Lindor's health issues linger into the season.
The Mets have a juggling act on their hands with Vientos, Brett Baty, and Jorge Polanco all vying for at-bats. While Baty can fill in across the diamond, including third base if Lindor is sidelined, Vientos might see more action against left-handed pitchers. Last season, he hit .250/.287/.453 against southpaws, a bit shy of his .251/.314/.502 line against righties in 2024.
Trading Vientos isn't straightforward. As a right-handed DH without options and coming off a rough year, his market isn't exactly booming.
Yet, there's potential for a breakout that could surpass any veteran free agent's impact. His power hasn't vanished; it's just waiting to resurface.
For Mets fans, the hope is that Vientos finds his groove and becomes a staple in the lineup. But carving out an everyday role won't be easy.
He'll need to outperform Baty significantly against right-handers to secure his spot. The opportunities will be there; it's up to Vientos to seize them and prove Francesa right.