Designated Hitter Mark Vientos, 24, is just a sophomore on the power hitting needy New York Mets. In just his second season in MLB, he quickly became the “odd man out” when star DH JD Martinez signed with the team during this offseason. The team had previously been expected to move the younger DH.
Vientos and Martinez looked to battle it out, with Martinez, 36, presumably taking “Vientos’ job” back then.
Vientos has hit 5 home runs and 10 RBIs, batting .339 with a .409 OBP.
In comparison, Martinez has been underwhelming. Let’s take a look.
Martinez has disappointed. He has hit 5 home runs and 15 RBIs, batting .278 with a .331 OBP.
The production from a seasoned veteran with a ton more still to offer isn’t much different than the numbers of Vientos, a struggling sophomore with a huge chip on his shoulder entering his second season in MLB. It’s a small sample size and it’s relatively early, yet enough to make a huge comparison because of the different skill sets and amount of time in the league.
This is what makes me believe the sharp decline in power bat Martinez will lead to his ultimate trade during the deadline, along with Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil.
To sum it up, Alonso, McNeil and Martinez are likely headed out. The team is opting for a much younger approach amid a harsh rebuild. The Mets don’t look to contend until approximately 2026. Vientos has all but secured the everyday DH position. This is overall a great performance by the youngster outplaying the veteran for his spot.
Discover more from Mets Madness
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
