Pete Alonso’s error came at a crucial moment, making it especially costly. Still, the Mets have an even more significant defensive weakness elsewhere on the field.
A key turning point in the weekend series between the New York Mets and New York Yankees came in the 8th inning, when Pete Alonso’s wild throw with the bases loaded sparked a six-run rally for the Yankees and effectively crushed any hopes of a Mets comeback.
That costly mistake wasn’t the only miscue for the Mets on the night. The game’s first batter reached base due to an error by third baseman. Defensive struggles are nothing new for Him, who arrived in the majors with lingering concerns about his ability to handle third base.
This season, he already has six errors—surpassing last year’s total of five—and continues to display a troubling mix of poor mechanics, slow reactions, and limited range. Statistically, he ranks near the bottom of the league in Outs Above Average (OAA) across all positions.
Vientos ended last season with a -7 OAA and is already at -6 in 2025, tied for third worst in Major League Baseball, with no real signs of progress.
Mark Vientos is looking more and more like third base isn’t for him
So far this season, the Mets haven’t had the need, desire, or opportunity to use Mark Vientos anywhere but first base. He appeared in 10 games at first in 2023 and has added 4 more in 2024 — though not all were starts. With Pete Alonso entrenched in the lineup nearly every day, Vientos hasn’t seen many chances to spell him across the diamond, though that could eventually change. If only the Mets could pause the season and work on Vientos’ throwing.
Jesse Winker’s absence has opened up some designated hitter chances for Vientos. Another factor has been Brett Baty’s improved performance at the plate, which has made it easier to move Vientos off third base. Prior to Baty’s return, the Mets were left with Jeff McNeil or the inexperienced Luisangel Acuña as their only third base options.
Vientos has had a quietly effective May — not driving in many runs, and mostly hitting singles. Aside from a home run on May 11 and a double the next day, his extra-base power has been limited. Still, he’s been getting hits in nearly every other game, even if they haven’t translated into RBI production. He’s hitting .296 for the month, which sounds better or worse depending on how much context you include, especially considering the low RBI and extra-base numbers.
Oddly enough, Vientos is beginning to resemble the type of hitter many thought he could become — just without the power. On the positive side, his strikeout rate is significantly improved, down from last year’s 29.7% to around 20%.
While his defense remains a concern, we’re not at the point of giving up on his glove completely (except maybe the one with a hole in it). For now, more time as a DH seems like the best short-term fix. Longer-term, though, the Mets have a lot to consider: Alonso’s future, how Baty develops, and whether Vientos can improve enough defensively to at least be serviceable — rather than among the league’s worst.
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