"Want to be like I’m-gonna-bite-your-head-off-type of mentality" - Mets 3B Mark Vientos on channeling aggression into success

New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos, nicknamed "Swaggy V," is known for his explosive power and volatile temper. This week, the rising star discussed his mentality, which he feels is key to his success on the field.

After being picked in the second round of the 2017 MLB draft, Vientos progressed through the Mets’ farm system and made his major league debut in 2022. Vientos discussed his mentality with New York Post columnist, Steve Serby, detailing his aggressive approach to baseball:

"I’m a competitor. I want to be the best out there, I want to be the best for my team. I want to win. … I am confident. … I play the game hard. … If I’m not the best player out there, I want to believe that I am. And I feel like I use a lot of my anger out on the field to my advantage.

"When I’m in the game, I’m intense, I’m fearless, I’m, like, a competitor, and that’s why I like playing this game."

Asked if he plays angry, Vientos responded:

"I play angry. … As human beings, we all have anger in something, we have stress in something, and I use it to my advantage. I use it like, 'Come on,' like, 'Have that aggressiveness.' Some people want to be chill on the field, some people want to be happy. I want to be aggressive, I want to be like 'I’m-gonna-bite-your-head-off' type of mentality."

With the Mets on a five-game winning streak, they will be hoping Vientos' mentality can help push the team onward as they challenge for a postseason berth.

Mark Vientos' instrumental role in the Mets narrowly defeating the Rockies on Friday

Mark Vientos delivered a standout performance on Friday as the Mets edged past the Colorado Rockies 7-6. The young slugger hit a home run and a double, recording two RBIs. NY then faced the Rockies again on Saturday, coming away with a 7-3 win, in which Vientos didn't register a hit.

The Mets are 7-3 in their last 10 and looking to make a push for the postseason. At 49-45, NY will be hoping to push on after the All-Star break:

“We’re going to prove a lot of people wrong," Vientos said.

Time will tell if Mark Vientos is right. The Mets face the Rockies for Game 3 of the series on Sunday and will look to complete a sweep before the All-Star break.