Mark Vientos

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked New York Mets #7 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/Medium
  
  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
• 
  Ranked New York Mets #4 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: Vientos spent two years in short-season ball after being the youngest player drafted in 2017. He flashed power indicators at pitcher-friendly Low-A Columbia in 2019, but not until 2021 did he reach his extra-base upside. That’s when Vientos slugged 25 home runs in 83 games, most of them at Double-A Binghamton, and his .300 isolated slugging ranked second only to the Yankees’ Anthony Volpe among 21-or-younger players who batted at least 300 times.
  
  Scouting Report: Vientos has massive raw power and can reach the deepest recesses of left field. His swing is geared to do damage in the air and he can take the ball out to all fields. The majority of his 2021 home runs were hit to right field. Vientos has improved his pitch recognition, especially against breaking stuff from righthanders, and after catching up to the speed of Double-A he compiled a 1.043 OPS in his final 60 games. He doesn’t flinch at velocity and could become a near-average hitter with plus power. Drafted as a shortstop, Vientos shifted to third base as a pro. He is playable there and has a plus arm. Some scouts believe his thick lower half could force him to first base, but Vientos has shown a renewed focus on conditioning this offseason. He tried his hand at left field, but rival scouts are not convinced because he is a well below-average runner.
  
  The Future: Vientos is a competitive player who carries a chip on his shoulder for not being widely viewed in the same tier as the Mets’ other top position prospects. He has a chance to change perceptions, because his MLB debut is on deck for 2022 if he hits at Triple-A. He could become a fixture on an infield corner.
  
• 
  Ranked New York Mets #6 prospect in 2021
  Hitting: 40.Power: 60. Run: 30. Fielding: 40. Arm: 50.
  TRACK RECORD: The youngest player selected in the 2017 draft, Vientos is about a month younger than Brett Baty, the Mets’ first-round pick two years later. Vientos reached low Class A in 2019 and showed spurts of power as a 19-year-old, doing most of his damage away from pitcher-friendly Columbia.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Vientos combines bat speed with a flyball-hitting approach to produce some of the best exit velocities in the system and an elite hard-hit rate. He can square up just about any fastball but has struggled to pick up and connect with spin from righthanders. That ability should come in time, because Vientos does a great job staying within himself and using the middle of the field. The Mets believe it’s only a matter of time before plus power manifests. Drafted as a shortstop, Vientos shifted to third base as a pro because of slow foot speed and sloppy footwork. He has a chance to stay at third as a below-average to fringy defender with an above-average but sometimes erratic arm.
  
  THE FUTURE: Vientos can take the ball out to any part of the park, so his home run totals figure to only grow as he gains experience. Vientos, whose family is from the Dominican Republic, was lined up to play in the Dominican League.
• 
  Ranked New York Mets #6 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: Following an encouraging 2018 season in Rookie ball that included 11 homers and nearly as many walks as strikeouts, Vientos didn't have much to show through his first month at low Class A Columbia in 2019. A struggle to pick up spin on breaking pitches from righthanders led him to a .233 average and .100 isolated slugging through 35 games. Vientos picked up the pace afterward and produced a .205 ISO over his next 65 games before tailing off in mid-August.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Power is going to be Vientos' ticket to advancement, and making the best possible swing decisions will be the key to reaching that goal. He sees lefthanders well and can impact a pitch with plus bat speed, strong hand-eye coordination and loft power. He lacks the natural feel for barrel manipulation and fluidity to be anything more than an adequate hitter for average. Drafted as a shortstop, Vientos shifted to third base in 2018. He throws well and his hands work, but below-average speed, mobility and footwork limit his defensive upside.
  
  THE FUTURE: Vientos is physically mature for his age and faces a possible move to first base down the line, but the thunder in his bat is real and could make him an attractive corner masher.
• 
  Ranked New York Mets #4 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: The youngest player in the 2017 draft, Vientos has spent two seasons in Rookie ball, but the time has not been spent idly. The high school shortstop shifted to third base in 2018 at Rookie-level Kingsport, while physical maturation has helped him develop his offensive game. Vientos ranked fourth in the Appalachian League with 11 home runs and third with 52 RBIs while drawing 37 walks against 43 strikeouts.
  
  Scouting Report: Vientos hits the ball hard consistently thanks to hand speed and bat speed that rank among the best in the system. His projectable frame should equate to further strength gains and power production. Vientos started slowly in the Appy League, hitting .230 through his first 25 games, which underscores how his timing at the plate can be disrupted. Because of this he might not be more than a fringe hitter, but his disciplined approach will prop up his on-base percentage. As any fielder new to third base, Vientos needs reps at third base to learn the footwork and associated angles at the hot corner, but his plus arm fits the prototype.
  
  The Future: Power production will be key to Vientos' future, and in that regard his early career has been a success. He profiles as a second-division regular or better as he embarks on full-season ball at low Class A Columbia in 2019.
• 
  Ranked New York Mets #6 prospect in 2018
  The youngest player selected in the top 10 rounds of the 2017 draft, Vientos didn't turn 18 until December of his draft year. His father was born in the Dominican Republic but grew up in New York a Mets fan and couldn't contain his excitement when New York selected Vientos in the second round and signed him for $1.5 million out of Florida prep power American Heritage. The Mets zeroed in on Vientos early in the spring season, drawn to his fast, powerful swing, strong hands and projectable 6-foot-4 frame. He started slow in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League but then hit .305/.339/.467 in 115 August at-bats. After hitting only one home run as a prep senior, Vientos clubbed four homers in the GCL, and the Mets believe his knack for elevating the ball will lead to plus power down the road. Though he is a well below-average runner, he has plus hands and an above-average arm at shortstop. Most scouts project him to third base because he's not as quick as a typical shortstop and his frame still has plenty of room to fill out. Vientos offers a promising blend of offensive upside and left-side-of-the-infield value, but he is four years or more away from the big leagues. With a good spring training, he could be on track for low Class A Columbia in 2018.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #40 prospect in 2017 draft
  Even as an underclassman, Vientos was well-known for the huge upside in his bat. Before transferring to American Heritage, Vientos participated in the 2016 National High School Invitational with Pembroke Pines, Fla.'s Flanagan High where he showed rare ability to impact the baseball. On the summer showcase circuit the following summer, Vientos consistently hit the ball hard and that hasn't stopped this spring. At 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, Vientos has a projectable body that should add even more strength. He has thunderous hands and he's able to generate explosive bat speed without loading his hands deeply. He's able to drive the ball with backspin to the gaps and he projects for at least plus power as he learns to loft the ball more. Defensively, Vientos is unlikely to stay at shortstop, lacking the glove actions or body control typically found at the position. He's also a well below-average runner. His plus arm strength leads scouts to project him moving to third base or a corner outfield spot.Vientos is one of the youngest prospects in the class and won't turn 18 until December. He is committed to Miami, but his loud offensive skillset and youth are likely to entice a team to pick him on the first day of the draft.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked National League #7 prospect in 2018
  One of the youngest players in the 2017 draft, Vientos finished his pro debut with a four-game look in the Appy League and returned to Kingsport this season. Vientos started slow but made a few adjustments with his timing and rhythm and hit .292/.396/.500 over 53 games in July and August, all while doubling his walk rate from last season. With quick hands and strength in his bat, he should have the power needed to profile at a corner and should also continue to add muscle to a 6-foot-4, 185-pound frame. After splitting time between shortstop and third base last year, Vientos worked exclusively at the hot corner this summer. He has plenty of arm strength for the position but is still adjusting to the angles and footwork necessary for the position.
• 
  Ranked Florida Complex League #10 prospect in 2017
  Vientos was one of the youngest players in the 2017 draft class and played the entire GCL season at 17 after signing for $1.5 million as a second-round pick. He's a calm, patient hitter with fast hands and a sound swing, especially for a 17-year-old with his long levers. He stays through the middle of the field and makes hard contact with a stroke that's geared more for line drives than loft, but he has the potential for plus power once he gets stronger and more of his doubles turn into home runs. Vientos played shortstop and third base in the GCL, but his days at shortstop are likely limited. He's a well below-average runner and his range is light for shortstop. Vientos' plus arm would fit at third base and he should have the hands to stay there and avoid a move to the outfield once he gains more experience to improve his anticipation off the bat.

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/Medium
  
  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
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/Medium
  
  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
• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 50/High
  
  Track Record: Vientos spent two years in short-season ball after being the youngest player drafted in 2017. He flashed power indicators at pitcher-friendly Low-A Columbia in 2019, but not until 2021 did he reach his extra-base upside. That&#39s when Vientos slugged 25 home runs in 83 games, most of them at Double-A Binghamton, and his .300 isolated slugging ranked second only to the Yankees&#39 Anthony Volpe among 21-or-younger players who batted at least 300 times.
  
  Scouting Report: Vientos has massive raw power and can reach the deepest recesses of left field. His swing is geared to do damage in the air and he can take the ball out to all fields. The majority of his 2021 home runs were hit to right field. Vientos has improved his pitch recognition, especially against breaking stuff from righthanders, and after catching up to the speed of Double-A he compiled a 1.043 OPS in his final 60 games. He doesn&#39t flinch at velocity and could become a near-average hitter with plus power. Drafted as a shortstop, Vientos shifted to third base as a pro. He is playable there and has a plus arm. Some scouts believe his thick lower half could force him to first base, but Vientos has shown a renewed focus on conditioning this offseason. He tried his hand at left field, but rival scouts are unconvinced.
  
  The Future: Vientos is a competitive player who carries a chip on his shoulder for not being widely viewed in the same tier as the Mets&#39 other top position prospects. He has a chance to change perceptions, because his MLB debut is on deck for 2022 if he hits at Triple-A. He could become a fixture on an infield corner.
  
  Scouting Grades:Hit: 45. Power: 60. Speed: 30. Fielding: 45. Arm: 60.
• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Vientos spent two years in short-season ball after being the youngest player drafted in 2017. He flashed power indicators at pitcher-friendly Low-A Columbia in 2019, but not until 2021 did he reach his extra-base upside. That’s when Vientos slugged 25 home runs in 83 games, most of them at Double-A Binghamton, and his .300 isolated slugging ranked second only to the Yankees’ Anthony Volpe among 21-or-younger players who batted at least 300 times.
  
  Scouting Report: Vientos has massive raw power and can reach the deepest recesses of left field. His swing is geared to do damage in the air and he can take the ball out to all fields. The majority of his 2021 home runs were hit to right field. Vientos has improved his pitch recognition, especially against breaking stuff from righthanders, and after catching up to the speed of Double-A he compiled a 1.043 OPS in his final 60 games. He doesn’t flinch at velocity and could become a near-average hitter with plus power. Drafted as a shortstop, Vientos shifted to third base as a pro. He is playable there and has a plus arm. Some scouts believe his thick lower half could force him to first base, but Vientos has shown a renewed focus on conditioning this offseason. He tried his hand at left field, but rival scouts are not convinced because he is a well below-average runner.
  
  The Future: Vientos is a competitive player who carries a chip on his shoulder for not being widely viewed in the same tier as the Mets’ other top position prospects. He has a chance to change perceptions, because his MLB debut is on deck for 2022 if he hits at Triple-A. He could become a fixture on an infield corner.
  
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 40.Power: 60. Run: 30. Fielding: 40. Arm: 50.
  TRACK RECORD: The youngest player selected in the 2017 draft, Vientos is about a month younger than Brett Baty, the Mets' first-round pick two years later. Vientos reached low Class A in 2019 and showed spurts of power as a 19-year-old, doing most of his damage away from pitcher-friendly Columbia.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Vientos combines bat speed with a flyball-hitting approach to produce some of the best exit velocities in the system and an elite hard-hit rate. He can square up just about any fastball but has struggled to pick up and connect with spin from righthanders. That ability should come in time, because Vientos does a great job staying within himself and using the middle of the field. The Mets believe it's only a matter of time before plus power manifests. Drafted as a shortstop, Vientos shifted to third base as a pro because of slow foot speed and sloppy footwork. He has a chance to stay at third as a below-average to fringy defender with an above-average but sometimes erratic arm.
  
  THE FUTURE: Vientos can take the ball out to any part of the park, so his home run totals figure to only grow as he gains experience. Vientos, whose family is from the Dominican Republic, was lined up to play in the Dominican League.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 40.Power: 60. Run: 30. Fielding: 40. Arm: 50.
  TRACK RECORD: The youngest player selected in the 2017 draft, Vientos is about a month younger than Brett Baty, the Mets’ first-round pick two years later. Vientos reached low Class A in 2019 and showed spurts of power as a 19-year-old, doing most of his damage away from pitcher-friendly Columbia.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Vientos combines bat speed with a flyball-hitting approach to produce some of the best exit velocities in the system and an elite hard-hit rate. He can square up just about any fastball but has struggled to pick up and connect with spin from righthanders. That ability should come in time, because Vientos does a great job staying within himself and using the middle of the field. The Mets believe it’s only a matter of time before plus power manifests. Drafted as a shortstop, Vientos shifted to third base as a pro because of slow foot speed and sloppy footwork. He has a chance to stay at third as a below-average to fringy defender with an above-average but sometimes erratic arm.
  
  THE FUTURE: Vientos can take the ball out to any part of the park, so his home run totals figure to only grow as he gains experience. Vientos, whose family is from the Dominican Republic, was lined up to play in the Dominican League.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 40.Power: 60. Run: 30. Fielding: 40. Arm: 50.
  TRACK RECORD: The youngest player selected in the 2017 draft, Vientos is about a month younger than Brett Baty, the Mets’ first-round pick two years later. Vientos reached low Class A in 2019 and showed spurts of power as a 19-year-old, doing most of his damage away from pitcher-friendly Columbia.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Vientos combines bat speed with a flyball-hitting approach to produce some of the best exit velocities in the system and an elite hard-hit rate. He can square up just about any fastball but has struggled to pick up and connect with spin from righthanders. That ability should come in time, because Vientos does a great job staying within himself and using the middle of the field. The Mets believe it’s only a matter of time before plus power manifests. Drafted as a shortstop, Vientos shifted to third base as a pro because of slow foot speed and sloppy footwork. He has a chance to stay at third as a below-average to fringy defender with an above-average but sometimes erratic arm.
  
  THE FUTURE: Vientos can take the ball out to any part of the park, so his home run totals figure to only grow as he gains experience. Vientos, whose family is from the Dominican Republic, was lined up to play in the Dominican League.
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Following an encouraging 2018 season in Rookie ball that included 11 homers and nearly as many walks as strikeouts, Vientos didn’t have much to show through his first month at low Class A Columbia in 2019. A struggle to pick up spin on breaking pitches from righthanders led him to a .233 average and .100 isolated slugging through 35 games. Vientos picked up the pace afterward and produced a .205 ISO over his next 65 games before tailing off in mid-August.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Power is going to be Vientos’ ticket to advancement, and making the best possible swing decisions will be the key to reaching that goal. He sees lefthanders well and can impact a pitch with plus bat speed, strong hand-eye coordination and loft power. He lacks the natural feel for barrel manipulation and fluidity to be anything more than an adequate hitter for average. Drafted as a shortstop, Vientos shifted to third base in 2018. He throws well and his hands work, but below-average speed, mobility and footwork limit his defensive upside.
  
  THE FUTURE: Vientos is physically mature for his age and faces a possible move to first base down the line, but the thunder in his bat is real and could make him an attractive corner masher.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Following an encouraging 2018 season in Rookie ball that included 11 homers and nearly as many walks as strikeouts, Vientos didn't have much to show through his first month at low Class A Columbia in 2019. A struggle to pick up spin on breaking pitches from righthanders led him to a .233 average and .100 isolated slugging through 35 games. Vientos picked up the pace afterward and produced a .205 ISO over his next 65 games before tailing off in mid-August.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Power is going to be Vientos' ticket to advancement, and making the best possible swing decisions will be the key to reaching that goal. He sees lefthanders well and can impact a pitch with plus bat speed, strong hand-eye coordination and loft power. He lacks the natural feel for barrel manipulation and fluidity to be anything more than an adequate hitter for average. Drafted as a shortstop, Vientos shifted to third base in 2018. He throws well and his hands work, but below-average speed, mobility and footwork limit his defensive upside.
  
  THE FUTURE: Vientos is physically mature for his age and faces a possible move to first base down the line, but the thunder in his bat is real and could make him an attractive corner masher.
• July, 2018 Scouting Report
  Drafted as a shortstop in the second round last year, Vientos has shifted to third base in the Appalachian League, but he has the power and overall hitting profile to weather the move. With fast hands, a projectable frame and the ability to loft the ball, he should develop above-average power. Vientos, who was one of the youngest players in his draft class, needs to clean up his plate approach and defensive fundamentals at his new position, but he’s well on his way.
• December, 2017 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The youngest player selected in the top 10 rounds of the 2017 draft, Vientos didn't turn 18 until December of his draft year. His father was born in the Dominican Republic but grew up in New York a Mets fan and couldn't contain his excitement when New York selected Vientos in the second round and signed him for $1.5 million out of Florida prep power American Heritage. SCOUTING REPORT: The Mets zeroed in on Vientos early in the spring season, drawn to his fast, powerful swing, strong hands and projectable 6-foot-4 frame. He started slow in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League but then hit .305/.339/.467 in 115 August at-bats. After hitting only one home run as a prep senior, Vientos clubbed four homers in the GCL, and the Mets believe his knack for elevating the ball will lead to plus power down the road. Though he is a well below-average runner, he has plus hands and an above-average arm at shortstop. Most scouts project him to third base because he's not as quick as a typical shortstop and his frame still has plenty of room to fill out. THE FUTURE: Vientos offers a promising blend of offensive upside and left-side-of-the-infield value, but he is four years or more away from the big leagues.