Mets Future Star Lands Spot on Prestigious Breakout Team

In a season full of unexpected performances for the New York Mets, Mark Vientos’ breakout campaign stands out as one of the most impressive.

After starting the year in Triple-A Syracuse, Vientos was faced with the disappointment of not making the Mets’ Opening Day roster. Fast forward a few months, and his story has completely changed, with the young third baseman cementing his place not only in the Mets’ lineup but also as one of the brightest breakout players in the entire league.

Back in March, Vientos was sent down to the minors as the Mets trimmed their roster for Opening Day. His early-season opportunities were limited, with a brief three-day stint at the end of April, filling in during Starling Marte’s bereavement leave. But everything changed on May 15th, when Vientos was called up again—this time, for good.

His promotion came at the expense of Brett Baty, another highly regarded Mets prospect, who was struggling to solidify his spot at third base.

Since then, Vientos has been nothing short of a revelation.

In his article for Bleacher Report , Joel Reuter named Vientos the breakout third baseman of the year, choosing him over other notable contenders like Ernie Clement of the Toronto Blue Jays and Josh Smith of the Texas Rangers.

This recognition is well deserved, as Vientos has put together a stellar stat line, slashing .270/.325/.516 with 24 home runs and 64 RBIs. His contributions have earned him a place near the top of the Mets’ lineup, thanks in large part to his .325 on-base percentage and consistent power.

Vientos’ advanced metrics further highlight his value. With a 2.5 fWAR (wins above replacement), he ranks fourth on the Mets, trailing only team leaders Francisco Lindor (7.4), Sean Manaea (2.8), and Brandon Nimmo (2.7). His offensive output since May 15th has been outstanding, placing him among the top five third basemen in home runs (23), RBIs (63), and slugging percentage (.509). He also ranks sixth in the league in batting average (.267) among his positional peers during that span.

Despite Vientos’ breakout season, questions remain about his future role with the team. The Mets have been linked to potential free agent third baseman Alex Bregman in recent rumors, raising speculation about Vientos’ position going forward.

With two key veterans—designated hitter J.D. Martinez and first baseman Pete Alonso—also entering free agency this offseason, Vientos might be asked to shift to another role.

At just 24 years old and under pre-arbitration, Vientos represents a valuable and cost-effective option for the Mets. His $740,000 salary makes him a much more affordable alternative to some of the team’s more expensive stars.

As the Mets evaluate their roster ahead of the offseason, Vientos’ flexibility and burgeoning star power could make him an ideal candidate to take over at first base or designated hitter, depending on how the team’s free agent negotiations play out.

Vientos isn’t the only player shining on the 2023 All-Breakout Team. Reuter’s annual list includes standout performers like Cincinnati Reds’ shortstop Elly De La Cruz, Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, and Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. This list celebrates non-rookies who have taken a significant leap in their careers, showcasing a new generation of talent reshaping Major League Baseball.

For Mark Vientos, his breakout season is just the beginning. Whether he continues at third base or transitions to another role, the Mets can be confident that they have a young player capable of anchoring their lineup for years to come.

His power, consistency, and overall development in 2023 have been pivotal to the team’s success, and his future in New York looks brighter than ever.

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