Mets icon David Wright gives verdict on Mark Vientos' 2024 season at third base

The New York Mets found their hot corner in Mark Vientos who put a spectacle for the club in 2024 after struggling in 2023 (a slash line of .211/.253/.367 with nine home runs and 22 RBI).

Vientos was seen as the next best bat in the Mets offensive lineup, which included the likes of Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso. The team made it through the wild-card round and NLDS round before losing against the Dodgers in the NLCS.

Vientos appeared in 111 regular-season games for the Mets, hitting .266/.322/.516 with a career-high 27 home runs and 71 RBI in 2024. His performances elevated in the postseason, hitting .327/.362/.636 with five home runs and 14 RBIs.

Mets former third baseman David Wright, on The Show: A NY Post baseball podcast with Joel Sherman & Jon Heyman,"discussed Vientos' performance last season.

"He showed that last year. For him to get the opportunity that he got and just take it and run with it was really impressive to see," Wright said (43:57 onwards).

Vientos made the most of his opportunities in 2024, showcasing his offensive prowess while improving on the defensive side of the game — a facet of his play that had previously drawn criticism.

"Everybody always talked about how he struggled on defense, but I thought he played pretty well over there," Wright added. "I’m genuinely rooting for him. What he did last year was incredible, and I tip my cap because it was dominant."

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David Wright describes experience of meeting Mark Vientos at the Mets for the first time

It wasn't a seamless transition for the Mets at the hot corner after David Wright had retired after the 2018 season. They saw off several players until they trusted Mark Vientos with a full-time opportunity in 2024, and the results were there for everyone to see.

Wright, who had crossed paths with Vientos during spring training sessions, mentioned the youngster's keen interest in not just the game mechanics but also the nuances of managing expectations and time.

"I got to know Mark when he was in the minor leagues," Wright said. "He was one of those guys that, when I’d come to spring training and hang out for a few days, he’d be the first one over there to try to talk some baseball.

"Not necessarily just the on-field stuff, but he had a lot of great questions about managing your time, dealing with expectations, and things like that. I kind of realized at a relatively young age that he had a good head on his shoulders, and he might have a chance to be a good player."

With the Mets looking at a World Series appearance in 2025, Mark Vientos has a big role to play alongside Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto.