Track Record: The youngest player drafted in 2017, Vientos took a few seasons to find his footing in pro ball before breaking out at the upper levels in 2021. He hit 25 home runs that season and then hit 24 more for Syracuse in 2022 as one of just 10 qualified 22-year-olds at Triple-A. He ranked fifth in the International League with an .877 OPS. That performance earned Vientos his first big league callup on Sept. 11. He picked up a handful of starts at DH versus lefthanded starters down the stretch but did not make the Mets' postseason roster.
Scouting Report: Vientos' game is predicated on power, as is his future role. He shows plus raw power to all fields and even hit his first MLB home run the other way, but he doesn't get to that power as much as he could because of his approach. Vientos chases too much and misses in the zone too much to hit for a high average, though he showed a healthy walk rate at Triple-A and in MLB. He struggled to impact righthanded pitchers in 2022, giving up nearly 375 OPS points at Triple-A. If it persists it could point to more of a platoon or part-time role. Drafted as a shortstop, Vientos moved to third base early in his pro career but will struggle to stick there in the big leagues. He throws well but has a thick lower half, below-average speed and substandard range. First base is his most likely position.
The Future: The Mets struggled to get production at DH versus lefthanders in 2022, as J.D. Davis and then Darin Ruf floundered. If that trend continues, a door opens for Vientos to earn MLB playing time. Given his youth and the Mets' competitive window, he will likely enter the season as plan B as he sees more time at Triple-A.
Scouting Grades: Hitting: 40. Power: 55. Speed: 40. Fielding: 40. Arm: 60
