PORT STREET LUCIE — Mark Vientos has had a clear path to significant playing time removed and will now await a verdict on his roster status.
There’s still a good chance the 24-year-old Vientos will be on the Mets’ opening roster as the team waits for J.D. Martinez, but he’ll have to bat in extended spring training and the minor leagues before he’s ready. . He reached an agreement with the club on Thursday on a one-year contract worth $12 million.
However, it is unclear whether Vientos will be able to move beyond that and reach the major leagues.
Vientos, who hit his fifth home run of the Grapefruit League season in the Mets’ 5-3 loss to the Yankees in Tampa on Friday, said he received a text message from his agent the night before announcing the deal with Martinez. .
“It’s a good outcome for the team,” Vientos told reporters when asked how he reacted when he learned of the deal.
Was it difficult for Vientos to accept?
“No, it’s not,” he said.
The Mets could decide to keep Vientos on the roster to play third base against left-handed pitchers and use the 36-year-old Martinez as the DH, with Brett Batty starting.
However, the Mets may decide it would be better for him to bat regularly at Triple-A Syracuse.
“The thing about Vientos is that he’s a big part of our future here and now,” coach Carlos Mendoza told reporters in Tampa. “He’s going to get his chance, but it’s one of those things where we’ll see what happens.”
Vientos started camp competing with Batty for the third base spot.
However, Vientos has played just six games at the position this spring as Batty has been given the bulk of the reps as he prepares for the season.
A “bat-first” player, Vientos’ raw power is of interest to the Mets.
“I would say Mark is not done yet,” Brandon Nimmo said at Clover Park when asked what message he had for Vientos. “We’re still making decisions, but we still need 40 guys to win and make the playoffs. And just because we signed this contract doesn’t mean he’s a part of this team. Never. I’m really happy to see him progressing.
“What I would say to him is nothing has changed from his standpoint. It didn’t matter if he was on a major league team or if he started the year in Triple-A, You still have to get the most out of yourself and work hard. Even if you’re in the big leagues, the work never stops.”
