Mark Vientos’ Unexpected First Base Role Highlights Mets’ Struggles in 2024 Season

When examining the sequence of events that led to Mark Vientos playing first base for the New York Mets every day, the team’s struggles this season become less surprising. The Mets’ offseason decisions, though potentially strategic long-term, have contributed to their current struggles.

During the winter, the organization made the controversial choice to trade Pete Alonso, the franchise’s all-time home run leader, to another team for full value. To replace Alonso, the Mets signed Jorge Polanco, intending to move him to first base. Meanwhile, prospects Mark Vientos and Brett Baty were considered trade candidates but instead joined the opening day roster as depth options and platoon-specific designated hitters.

The trio has not replicated Alonso’s early production with the Baltimore Orioles. Polanco, primarily a designated hitter in recent seasons, has struggled with injuries throughout his career and has never played first base before. He will turn 33 in July. Baty, a superior fielder, has shown defensive competence but remains an inconsistent offensive contributor. Vientos, however, stands out as the team’s most capable power hitter.

Polanco’s absence due to injury was anticipated, but his current status is more severe than expected. After a slow start, he was placed on the injured list in mid-April with a bruised wrist and Achilles bursitis. Despite being cleared for baseball activities earlier this week, he remains unable to perform at full capacity.

"We need to get asymptomatic with the ankle and with the bursitis. We're not there yet." — David Stearns, Mets President of Baseball Operations

The Mets now sit in last place in MLB, with the second-fewest wins in the league. This has forced Vientos, who would typically not start for a contending team, to play first base regularly. Baty has shifted to third base, while Bo Bichette, also playing a new position, has moved from third back to shortstop. Francisco Lindor continues to recover from another lower-body injury, leaving the team’s infield in flux.