In New York sports, a vote of confidence isn’t always comforting.
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Mark Vientos (27) walks on the field with a bat during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
When it comes from Mike Francesa, some fans brace for the opposite effect.
On his podcast, Francesa urged the Mets to give Mark Vientos regular playing time instead of limiting him to once or twice a week. His logic was simple: either commit to him or trade him now before his value drops further.
It’s not an outrageous take.
But it’s also not that simple.
If the Mets truly had a compelling trade offer this winter, Vientos likely wouldn’t still be on the roster. The market for a right-handed, bat-first player coming off a down season — and out of minor-league options — isn’t exactly booming.
And early spring returns aren’t strengthening the case.
Vientos is 0-for-10 with two strikeouts and a hit-by-pitch so far. It’s a microscopic sample size, but optics matter in crowded roster battles. He’s been seeing time at first base and is expected to rotate between that spot and designated hitter throughout the year.
The challenge isn’t talent.
It’s opportunity.
The Mets have a complicated at-bat distribution puzzle involving Vientos, Brett Baty, and Jorge Polanco. All three can factor at first base and DH. Baty offers defensive versatility nearly everywhere except shortstop and center field. Polanco, when healthy, profiles as a middle-of-the-order switch-hitter.
That squeezes Vientos into a narrower lane.
Most realistically, he’ll start primarily against left-handed pitching. Last season, he hit .250/.287/.453 against southpaws — solid but not overwhelming. Interestingly, his numbers against right-handed pitching in 2024 were stronger than many remember (.251/.314/.502), suggesting more upside than the platoon label implies.
Still, roster construction leans toward matchup deployment.
There are pathways to more playing time. If Francisco Lindor isn’t ready for Opening Day, defensive reshuffling could create temporary room. If Carson Benge doesn’t make the club, Baty could see time in right field, freeing up additional at-bats.
But those are circumstantial boosts — not long-term guarantees.
The core issue remains: Vientos has to hit his way into a larger role.
Trading him now would likely mean selling low. Betting on a breakout carries risk but also upside. His power dipped last season, but it didn’t vanish. For a 25-year-old with legitimate pop, there’s still reason to believe.
Francesa’s broader point — commit or move on — reflects fan frustration with half-measures.
Yet in reality, the Mets’ approach may be more strategic than hesitant. They’re not handing out everyday roles based on projection alone. They’re forcing competition.
If Vientos wants the golden ticket Francesa is advocating for, he’ll need to separate himself — especially against right-handed pitching.
In New York, confidence from a radio icon might feel like a jinx.
But for Mark Vientos, the equation is simpler: production erases doubt.
And the opportunities, while not guaranteed, will come.
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