Mets slugger has ‘eye-opening’ offseason experience

Francisco Lindor’s impact with the New York Mets is being felt beyond his dazzling plays at shortstop or the runs he drives in.

This offseason, he’s made a point to work with Mark Vientos, a 24-year-old who seeks a bigger role in 2024. A video shared by Vientos on social media early in December showed Lindor observing and instructing Vientos during fielding drills that took place in Lindor’s native Puerto Rico.

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On Wednesday, Vientos elaborated on an experience that clearly resonated.

“He’s a franchise player,” Vientos said Wednesday at a Mets holiday event, per SNY. “He’s Mr. Smile, and honestly, just being with him and seeing all the work he does — hard work pays off. He works his butt off every single day, and I got so much out of it, going over there and training with him, learning his mentaltiy and the way he goes about his business is eye-opening.

“Honestly, seeing the way he lives is a dream, and that’s what I’m working for.”

While Vientos has not exactly hit well in his 254 career at-bats (.205 average, .610 OPS, nine home runs), it is his defense that has pigeonholed him into being viewed as a long-term DH — and that puts pressure on his bat to produce. Vientos was drafted as a third base/shortstop and quickly transitioned to third base in the minors. He’s played 50 games at DH, 21 at third base and 10 at first base in the majors.

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But with Ronny Mauricio out long-term with a torn ACL and Brett Baty left as the main contender at the position, there is playing time to be had — if Vientos can prove he can defend at a high level. Time will tell.

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