At a time when many within the sport will inform you it’s harder to make the leap from Triple-A to the majors than ever earlier than — such is the gulf in competitors — Mark Vientos has finished so seemingly with out a hitch.
After not exhibiting a ton in a pair stints in 2022 and 2023, the power-hitting Mets prospect was referred to as up from Triple-A Syracuse for good in late Might and easily has not cooled off.
It’s not simply that the third baseman’s general numbers stand out — hitting .277 with a .334 on-base proportion, together with 21 house runs in 83 video games — however how he has succeeded.
In 12 video games in Might, he posted a .917 OPS.
The mark was .888 in June and .884 in July.
Statistically, his worst month has been by way of 20 video games in August, wherein his OPS is .833.
“He seems extraordinarily snug,” hitting coach Eric Chavez mentioned lately. “He seems like he’s been right here for some time now. I do know persons are like, ‘Is that this a sizzling streak,’ and, ‘Is it going to finish?’
“I believe he’s form of discovered one thing — clearly, he’s going to undergo cold and warm — I believe he’s discovered one thing that’s going to work for a extremely very long time.”
It continues to work, the 24-year-old smacking one other house run in Sunday’s loss in San Diego.
The Mets have wanted Vientos, who took over for the struggling (and now injured) Brett Baty, and has discovered a pregame routine that fits him.
Based on Chavez, Vientos had cranked up his coaching reps in opposition to off-speed pitches, now not dealing with principally high-velocity choices in batting practices.
Final season in 65 main league video games, Vientos hit .167 in opposition to off-speed pitches.
This 12 months, he has crushed them to the tune of a .306 common and .611 slugging proportion.
“I believe the largest adjustment he’s made is the off-speed,” mentioned Chavez, who has informed Vientos: “’You’ve been capable of journey pitches out, [achieve better] pitch-recognition on the off-speed, simply understanding guys aren’t simply going to throw you heaters. … They’re going to pitch you extraordinarily robust. Get snug with seeing spin.’”
No matter is thrown at Vientos, Vientos has hit.
“He’s discovering a technique to compete at this degree,” Chavez mentioned.
Francisco Lindor was named the Nationwide League Participant of the Week after hitting .345 with three homers, six RBIs, 4 doubles, two walks, six runs scored, a stolen base, a .793 slugging proportion and a .387 on-base proportion in seven video games final week.
