With Opening Day just over two weeks away, the New York Mets may still have one important move left to make — and it could involve third baseman Mark Vientos.
According to reports, the Mets have been open to trading Vientos since the offseason, and his situation on the roster suggests that a deal before the start of the season could still be possible.
Vientos coming off inconsistent season
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos (27) gets ready to bat during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images | Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
The 26-year-old slugger is only two seasons removed from a breakout campaign in 2024, when he emerged as one of the Mets’ top power threats.
That year he hit:
- 27 home runs
- .266/.322/.516 slash line
- .837 OPS
- 71 RBIs
- 3.1 bWAR in 111 games
Vientos also set a Mets single-postseason RBI record during that run.
However, his 2025 season was a step backward.
In 121 games he posted:
- .233/.289/.413
- .702 OPS
- 17 home runs
- 61 RBIs
- -0.2 bWAR
Defensively, the metrics were even more concerning. Vientos ranked third-worst in MLB with -7 Outs Above Average at third base, further reinforcing concerns about his long-term defensive role.
Playing time becoming scarce
One major reason the Mets could move Vientos is the lack of a clear role on the current roster.
Several players are blocking his most natural positions:
- First base: Jorge Polanco
- Third base: Bo Bichette
- Designated hitter: Brett Baty
While a DH platoon with Baty is technically possible, Baty’s versatility and stronger defensive value make him a better everyday option.
Last season Baty delivered solid production:
- .254/.313/.435 slash line
- .748 OPS
- 18 home runs
- 50 RBIs
- 3.1 bWAR in 130 games
As a result, the Mets may prefer to rotate Baty, Polanco, and Bichette between first base, third base, and designated hitter, leaving Vientos without consistent at-bats.
Potential trade value
Despite the down season, Vientos still holds significant value around the league.
He remains:
- Just 26 years old
- Under team control for four more seasons
- A proven power hitter
Teams looking for offensive upside — particularly clubs lacking right-handed power — could be interested in acquiring him.
In return, the Mets could potentially address another area of need, such as bullpen depth, which often becomes a priority as teams approach the regular season.
The risk of moving him
Of course, trading Vientos also carries risk.
If he returns to the form he showed in 2024, the Mets could regret moving a controllable power bat for a short-term upgrade.
That potential upside is likely the main reason the organization has not rushed into a deal.
Decision approaching quickly
Still, with Opening Day approaching, the Mets will soon have to finalize their roster.
Whether Vientos becomes part of that plan — or becomes the team’s final trade chip before the season begins — may be one of the last decisions the front office makes before the regular season arrives.
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