The New York Mets appear increasingly likely to part ways with Mark Vientos this offseason, with the versatile slugger emerging as a potential non-tender candidate after another difficult season at the plate. According to SNY’s Chelsea Janes, the Mets may decide that Vientos has run out of opportunities in Queens and could look for a fresh start elsewhere in 2027.
Vientos entered the organization as one of its most highly regarded prospects and was once viewed as a potential long-term power bat. His breakout 2024 season appeared to validate that belief, as he hit 27 home runs while batting .266/.322/.516, establishing himself as a dangerous offensive weapon capable of playing both first and third base. However, he has struggled to reproduce that production over the past two seasons.
The 26-year-old has endured a particularly frustrating 2026 campaign. Through 76 games, Vientos has produced a .214/.258/.399 slash line, numbers that represent a significant decline from his breakout season. His offensive struggles have also translated into an overall negative contribution, with Vientos carrying approximately -1.1 WAR and becoming the only Mets hitter with at least 60 appearances to post a negative WAR this season.
That downturn has reportedly changed how the Mets view his future. Even though Vientos still possesses legitimate right-handed power and has three remaining arbitration years before reaching free agency, New York may decide that keeping him on the roster is no longer the best use of a roster spot. Janes believes Vientos is more likely than Brett Baty or Francisco Alvarez to leave the organization this winter.
One of the biggest problems facing Vientos is finding a clear path to regular playing time. The Mets have uncertainty at first base heading into 2027, but the organization apparently does not view Vientos as a strong solution there. His other potential role would be that of a right-handed power bat off the bench, but that position would likely not provide enough consistent at-bats for him to regain the rhythm and confidence he needs.
The situation is particularly notable because of how highly the Mets once valued him. Vientos climbed as high as No. 4 among the organization’s minor-league prospects in 2022, and his power potential made him one of the more intriguing young hitters in the system. His emergence in 2024 appeared to put him on track to become an important part of New York’s next generation.
Instead, his development has stalled. The Mets now appear prepared to make a difficult decision on a player who was once considered part of the organization’s future. While his age and previous success could make him attractive to another team, New York may determine that a non-tender is preferable to continuing to wait for his bat to return to its previous level.
The possibility of Vientos leaving also illustrates the broader changes coming to the Mets. New York is expected to reassess its roster after another disappointing campaign, and president of baseball operations David Stearns is expected to take a more calculated approach to roster construction rather than simply relying on expensive additions. The organization will have several decisions to make regarding its young players, veterans and positional needs.
Vientos’ potential departure could also create a need for the Mets to find another first-base option during the offseason. With uncertainty at the position, New York could pursue an established veteran, explore the trade market or turn to another internal candidate. Moving on from Vientos would therefore create both an opening and an additional offseason priority.
For Vientos, meanwhile, being non-tendered could ultimately provide an opportunity rather than simply representing the end of his Mets career. Another club could be willing to gamble on the power that produced 27 home runs in 2024, particularly if it believes a change of scenery and consistent playing time could unlock his potential again.
The Mets’ decision will therefore carry some risk. Letting go of a former top prospect who has already demonstrated significant major-league power could come back to haunt the organization if he flourishes elsewhere. At the same time, continuing to give him opportunities without a clear role could prevent New York from addressing other roster weaknesses.
For now, Vientos remains under the Mets’ control, but his future in New York appears increasingly uncertain. After years of high expectations and an inability to consistently replicate his 2024 breakout, the versatile slugger could be headed toward free agency through a non-tender this winter, giving him a chance to restart his career with another organization while forcing the Mets to search for a new solution at first base and for right-handed power.
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