Could Mark Vientos Make Pete Alonso Expendable to the Mets?

The New York Mets narrowly held on to beat the Washington Nationals on Monday night and host Ryan Finkelstein was at the game!
He shares his experience in D.C. and talks about how Mark Vientos could make Pete Alonso expendable at the deadline and beyond if he keeps raking. Also, could Jose Iglesias continue to eat into Jeff McNeil's playing time at second base?
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[@user-rs9jd4xu5n]

Mark Vientos already has the same fWAR as Pete Alonso (0.9) this season. He’s also done it in a little under 200 fewer appearances.

[@ericB3444]

Nobody knows what that metric means and nobody has Google.

[@mamalannightshyaman]

Well that’s because Vientos plays 3rd which affects fWAR greatly

[@claydouglas2526]

Vientos plays a more valuable position and is a better defender. It’s not just hitting

[@MrAschiff]

@@claydouglas2526 Better defender? Obviously, you haven't been following Vientos' career carefully. I love Vientos, but to make a big deal about his defense is nuts.

[@claydouglas2526]

@@MrAschiff where did I make a “big deal” about his defense? I compared it favorably to Alonso’s (which is substandard, so that’s hardly a compliment). Obviously, reading comprehension is not your strong suit.

[@richboy7414]

Great show, keep up the great work, God bless.

[@ammilano]

Great show as always! 😊

[@LockedOnMets]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@jamesbuckley8917]

When pitching 2 days in a row, Ottavino's 2nd day ERA is 7.80. Mendoza putting him in there was a HUGE mistake. Mendoza is killing the Mets with his late inning pitching decisions. Mendoza is the older version of Luis Rojas.

[@ericB3444]

WRONG

[@Unconsciouzone]

You did a segment in ST on which one of these two guys would emerege. Veintos was my choice. I was surprised his late effort to end 2023 didn't earn him the pole position from the start. As to whether he can replace Pete? Yes you can replace.250 /45 with .270 35 No issue there, and the contract differential makes it a slam dunk Something to keep in mind, if there is any trutrh to the rumor that he turned down a fair market value extension offer in the offseason, he may have played his way out from under that offer to start the year. Meaning there is very little chance the Mets will match any team that comes in above the rumored amount he rejected

[@mamalannightshyaman]

I have a 100 bet that Vientos will hit more HR than Soler and JDM before we signed JDM. I didn’t think it would be a viable bet, I was just being idealistic

[@jamesbuckley8917]

I like the lineup last night with Pete & Vientos both in it. Add Alvarez and it is formidable, but too right handed. All our left bats are under-performing(Baty, McNeil, Nimmo, Stewart). Mauricio is a switch hitter. Gilbert & Clifford are lefties, but who knows; they are hurt or not performing. Baty is really the problem for the future if he can't hit in MLB. Soto?

[@mikefagan6840]

Yes, they never would have eked out a win without Pete's 0-fer.

[@fr2ncm9]

Bat's average against righties this year is 250, but he is hitting under 180 against lefties. He may never be able to lefties.

[@BruceRichwineJr]

Yes, if he hits .270 or above and hits for good power numbers.

[@jamesbuckley8917]

2025 infield: 1B - Vientos, 2B - Acuna, SS - Lindor, 3B - Mauricio

[@fr2ncm9]

or someone they get at the trade deadline.

[@jamesbuckley8917]

Option Stewart and bring up Ben Gamel(.962 OPS in AAA). Gamel is a left handed 32 year old who could DH and pinch hit and play OF/1B. Release Taylor, who his not hitting, is a right handed hitter, and an outfielder. Bring back Baty and platoon him at 2B with Iglesias. Bench McNeil. He can play occasionally in RF/LF or 2B.

[@theChef1337]

Damn wheres the ground hog intro?!??

[@ericB3444]

MUAHAHAHAH

[@trajanII]

What we need is veteran experience on this team, like Zack Short and Wendell. No shit Vientos is the man. What the hell took so long to recognize the power.

[@kevink2020]

Well he was called up last year and didn't produce. Let's see how Mets fans respond when he goes on a cold streak.

[@ericB3444]

Zack short is too tall to play mid height ball on a thick field.

[@alandesgrange9703]

Trade Alonso. Put Vientos at first.

[@Unconsciouzone]

@@kevink2020 His finish was promising last year. I'm surprised it din't ean him more runway.

[@MrAschiff]

@@kevink2020 He didn't get enough consistent at-bats. Throughout Vientos' minor-league career, every time he moved up a level, he'd struggle in the first month and then would start to rake.

[@steveraia]

Yes! The proper intro song is back

[@mss627]

The bullpen and the defense continue to be sore spots. It's very strange because the errors are coming from unexpected places. Baseball is a game of precision. No team can expect to win, giving up extra outs and free passes. The Mets have to tighten this up if they want to turn this mess around. PS: We're in lockstep on Alonzo who in my opinion is one of those heart and soul players. J.D. at 36 is still a solid hitter but the obvious choice. Of course he's not going to get the haul that Pete would (theoretically).

[@BDizDaBest]

I've long liked Vientos over Baty because I feel like Baty has no identity as a hitter. It feels like he's up there with no real plan or idea besides "pray you don't get out." Vientos isn't perfect, but at least you know (and more importantly, he knows) what he's trying to do up there at the plate. He's a slugger through and through. He's gonna strike out and he's gonna hit bombs. Fine by me - at least he has a profile as a hitter. Baty is still searching for one.

[@maxschuldes913]

Polar Bear will be on Kanas City next year

[@GeraldM_inNC]

I remember the scouting reports from 3 years ago: a can't miss swing but will never be able to field a position.

[@ericB3444]

Create a new position for just a shift and he could just hang out in the shift area and cover less ground because the real position player is still in place. They’ve already changed every rule and added a bunch of junk to the game with pitch clock and DH everywhere you might as well create a position called the shift for the inferior fielder player area.

[@LockedOnMets]

Considering his offense I think he’s been fine defensively so far. You’ll absolutely take what he gives you defensively if he’s getting on base and hitting home runs the way he is.

[@GeraldM_inNC]

@@LockedOnMets As said, I was reminiscing on scouting reports from 3 years back. Since then the coaches have given a high priority to getting Baty and Vientos up to adequacy. Baty has come a long way up in the field. I agree with you that if Vientos hits like this he only needs to field adequately.

[@steveninsinna1743]

Yes is the answer..

[@kevink2020]

Can he play the position though? He still looks like a DH to me.

[@ericB3444]

Can he play the flower girl position, though? He still looks like a bat girl to me.

[@codybats]

I think a huge problem as a Mets fans, is that we think it has to be one guy. Why can’t both of them be our star power Hitters. Having two great hitters is essential, it takes less pressure off of the other one when one is not performing. Seeing Vientos succeed should not make us hate Pete Alonso.

[@LockedOnMets]

I think we’re just frustrated at how Pete continues to underperform. All of us want him to be great, he’s just not showing he can be out there right now.

[@jeffreywang7527]

If I was Stearns I would try to unload Lindor and even eat the money and McNeil this year. Those 2 are huge lineup holes and not consistent players.

[@Rose-vm3bf]

It never is pretty, they either disappoint or give us ❤ palpitations oo their way to a win.

[@jeffreywang7527]

Vientos could be a 30 homer guy my intuition says. Stearns didn't see his true potential before.

[@mikesaje37]

Ok but on the other side of the coin what if Vientos goes cold right away and doesn't consistently produce

[@ericB3444]

Incorrect

[@arcadeperfectreviews2653]

I think if Vientos continues to hit this well up till the deadline (let's say 6 more HRs and an average around .280-290 in June, we can kiss pete goodbye

[@MaddMan621]

When will the Mets learn to never pitch Megill on the road? Look at those splits! 😂

[@jamesbuckley8917]

Mets are hitting very well against lefties. They have many good right handed hitters, but their left handed ones are rough. Nimmo is starting to come around, but McNeil, Baty and Stewart are/were awful.

[@alpascarella8794]

When NcNiel hits a ground ball, he trots to 1B. He never would have beat put that infield hit the Iglaesias beat out.

[@TheLordAI]

My thing is why does it have to make Pete expendable? Why not just be another power bat in the lineup?

[@jamesbuckley8917]

I don't see Pete staying. I don't think he likes the Lindor Mets. When Lindor held that player only team meeting while Pete was in the hospital, it was a Lindor power move. When Pete switched to Boras, I think it was clear Pete was going.

[@MarkLevine-oc7vk]

Challah

[@fr2ncm9]

If the Mets ate ten of the fifteen million per he is owed, a team like Tampa Bay would make an offer for him thinking a change of scenery would turn him around.

[@ericB3444]

COMPLETELY WRONG

[@fr2ncm9]

@@ericB3444 COMPLETELY RIGHT TROLL.

[@ericB3444]

@@fr2ncm9 incorrect

[@fr2ncm9]

@@ericB3444 We will see. I bet that if they trade him or release him, he will go to another team and hit close to 300.

[@libra3655]

I'm feeling like Alonso is getting stale in NY. I feel if he stays, he underperforms and if he goes, he will catch fire next year.

[@marcrapaccuiolo2406]

You say we are only 4 games out but then say play Baty who proved he can't hit major league pitching at third and trade JD you make no sense as usual

[@vicmreyes]

What I can see as future team setup is Baty/Mauricio 3b Lindor SS w/ Mauricio as back up Acuña 2B Vientos/Alonso 1B/DH if Pete stays Alvarez C Nimmo LF And whoever we can get for center and right from our prospects/FAs

[@sabmetricbones9887]

Im pretty sure acuña could easily transition to CF

[@fr2ncm9]

Alonso will be gone at the deadline.

[@richboy7414]

I honestly think Mcneil is more dedicated to golf than baseball.

[@quetzalflight5790]

....JUST SAYING BUT THE PITCHING APPROACH BY THE RELIEF PITCHERS SEEMS LIKE THEY ARE ARE ARE GUESS PITCHING. THEY DON'T USE THE PITCHING RUBBER CORRECTLY. THE PITCHING RUBBER IS USED THE SAME WAY AS THE BOWLING STAND UP LINE. PITCHING COACH IS NOT DOING HIS JOB .

[@christineg7888]

Day after day, week after week, month after month, we have pitching issues. Why isn't the pitching coach ever called out.

[@marinam9389]

I’m a DC based listener and surprised you didn’t like Nats Park. DC is not a baseball town, and the fans aren’t always into the game, but the stadium is beautiful. You can see the capital from the park! Plus tickets are cheap and as you mentioned, great restaurants around the area.

[@alandesgrange9703]

They tired to blow another one, but couldn't get the job done.

[@LockedOnMets]

It’s comical at this point. No matter what the lead is heading into the 9th, the Mets will either lose or barely hang on and win by one with the winning runs on base.

[@alandesgrange9703]

@@LockedOnMets When's the last time they had a lead, and had a 1-2-3 ninth?

[@marcrapaccuiolo2406]

Don't pay Pete. Keep JD at dh on another 1 yr deal play Vientos at first , Nimmo in left or center and Lindor at short fill spots everywhere else everyone is expendable. If Ronnie proves he's healthy he plays third. No more Baty or McNeil

[@vincentv1432]

Funny, everyone loved Baty and wanted to get rid of Vientos at the beginning of the season.

[@matthewguzda4075]

No. Give me a solid consistent year. Plus 40 plus hr a year isn't that common. They're going to rue losing Pete. Too many flash in the pan rookies. I want to keep nimmo n Pete. Whatever else you want to do fine but I want to see consistency from rookies and not " well idk what happened, he did great last year" nonsense.

[@suphighlander2323]

Do yall want Alonso a Met Long Term? I do.

[@joselopezmoya9786]

To Benjamin waltres 7800: Can't resign ALONSO or don't want to resogn ALONSO. Remember that resigning ALONSO would mean that STEARNS has to go against his MINI MARKET/ MONEY BALL philosophy.

[@fr2ncm9]

I think McNeil doesn't want to be on this team. I think he doesn't get along with Lindor. With another team, he can still hit close to 300.

[@oscargonza2748]

Why not keep Pete and build around both Vientos and Pete

[@vincentv1432]

Move Pete to DH

[@user-rs9jd4xu5n]

The dude only gives you useless homers. Alvarez is more clutch than him. Alonso has a .217 avg in late/close games for his career And a .154/.313/.333 slash line in 2024, in high leverage .200/.346/.311 slash

[@ericB3444]

WRING

[@benjaminwalters7800]

Typical Mets fashion player comes up and gets hot and Mets media has him future hall of famer after 50~60 at bats

[@aharonbrand8044]

If they could find away to sweep away Washington DC i will be one happy person

[@MarkLevine-oc7vk]

Get rid of Biden. Obama and silly moronic Harris what a lu lu

[@MarkLevine-oc7vk]

Mgilla is nothing more than a sporadic spasm

[@MarkLevine-oc7vk]

Diekman didn't see much🤡

[@MarkLevine-oc7vk]

Oh so close but just 2 far😂

[@MarkLevine-oc7vk]

Crabby shabby hehe

[@Batts14]

F BATY!!!

[@robertday1598]

Yes. Alonso has regressed terribly. Spend money on fixing the bullpen this off season.

[@ericB3444]

Yes. Pete Moss has been bad. Spend money on fixing the bat girl locker room and spa area.

[@user-rs9jd4xu5n]

The dude only gives you useless homers. Alvarez is more clutch than him. Alonso has a .217 avg in late/close games for his career And a .154/.313/.333 slash line in 2024, in high leverage .200/.346/.311 slash

[@ericB3444]

@@user-rs9jd4xu5n wrong. Wake up.

[@Unconsciouzone]

@@user-rs9jd4xu5n He's the Anti Grandy. I think Granderson did more with his pedestrian batting average than I have ever seen. Dude just smashed in pressure AB's. Lots of empty calories in those Alonso bombs Alfonzo was twice as clutch.

[@MrAschiff]

Keep them both!! You can never have enough power

[@fr2ncm9]

In a year, you would be calling Alonso a bum. Don't forget, he hit 217 last year.

[@MrAschiff]

@@fr2ncm9 And don't forget he hit .271 the year before. And don't forget he's the only Mets player to hit 40 homers three times, he has the single-season RBI record with 131 and the home run record with 53. Every player on the team hit for low averages; not just Alonso. If the Mets trade Pete, a year from now, you'll be aggravated at the Mets for trading him.

[@fr2ncm9]

@@MrAschiff I wanted them to trade him after 2021. Their lineup and rotation had numerous holes and their farm system was weak. Trading Alonso back then, when he still had two years of control, would have netted a ton of prospects who could have driven this team to the playoffs.

[@MrAschiff]

@@fr2ncm9 No, you don't trade a slugger who hits 40 homers a year. They don't grow on trees. You build around what is good on your team. Look at the teams with the better records, they have a ton of power. I'm sure the Yankees could have gotten a boatload of prospects for Judge if they had traded him. Instead, they added players. This whole trade Pete Alonso for prospects is just insane.

[@fr2ncm9]

@@MrAschiff You can't compare Alonso to Judge. Judge routinely hits for a high average. The only years Alonso hit for a good average was his rookie season and 2022. I also think that he is no longer a team player. Get rid of the veterans. The Mets already have a solid core of young infielders. Go with the kids.

[@glonik10]

He should be able to field better than Alonso too. Pete is not the most athletic besides hitting for power. We still have Ronny too.

[@richardbutler5057]

No

[@ericB3444]

Vientos will even back out to scrub within sixty (60) days. Study his chart. It’s just like a stock. Rehire old man Nails.

[@johnbishop2949]

No don't trade Pete Alonso

[@mikefagan6840]

Expendable? Are you saying that his ZERO contribution to the offense isn't necessary? 🤔🤔🤔🤔 Alonso fans and METS fans are 2 completely different animals!

[@Hotmocha47]

Oh now that Dominican is the best. Mets are such a pathetic team!.

[@christineg7888]

Enough with your Baty talk! He came up in 2022. This is his third season. In baseball, three strikes, and you're out. I have never seen promise in him as a major market player. I've moved on. Come with me.

[@joselopezmoya9786]

Even if VIENTOS developed into a power hitter, it would be stupid to trade ALONSO. BETTER TO HAVE TWO POWER HITTERS IN THE LIEUP INSTEAD OF ONE. COULD HAVE ALONSO BATTING THIRD, MARTINEZ FOURTH AND VIENTOS FIFTH. ALTHOUGH MINI MARKET STEARNS IS DYING TO GET RID OF ALONSO.

[@benjaminwalters7800]

If the Mets can’t resign Alonso all they would get is a 4th round pick so they should trade him

[@lordt78]

Alonso is on the decline. Stay away!

[@aharonbrand8044]

If the Mets could find away to be 25 over five hundred that will be quiet nice oh quit Nice

[@robertsquared2916]

He sucks at 3rd, maybe at Petes 1B spot.