By Sunday 
A Spark the Mets Desperately Need
Sometimes all it takes is a spark—and for the Mets, Mark Vientos might be just that.
After being sidelined since early June with a right hamstring strain, the Mets’ power-hitting third baseman is finally nearing a return. While his 2025 stats don’t exactly jump off the page (.230/.298/.380), the bigger story is what his bat could do for a team in the thick of the NL playoff chase.
“Full Go” & Ready for Takeoff
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza offered an optimistic update recently, saying Vientos is now “full go” for hitting and fielding. He’s been taking grounders, swinging in batting cages, and running at about 90 percent speed. That puts him on track to start a rehab assignment early next week, likely with Triple-A Syracuse.
Weather delays have forced him indoors, but the expectation is that just a few more days of practice should be enough to get him game-ready. The Mets aren’t rushing this—they want the best version of Vientos back, not a compromised one.
Why Vientos Still Matters
Let’s not forget: Vientos hit 27 home runs in 2024 with a 133 wRC+, becoming one of the team’s most exciting breakout stars. He capped it off with a postseason performance that made fans believe he could be a cornerstone in Queens.
Even in limited 2025 action, the pop is still there—six home runs and eight doubles show his swing hasn’t lost its bite. Add him back to a lineup already featuring Pete Alonso, Juan Soto, and Francisco Lindor, and things could start clicking in a big way.
Timing Is Everything
For the Mets, it’s not just about another bat. It’s about balance. Their offense has leaned heavily on a few key names while others have cooled off. Vientos brings depth and makes opposing pitchers work harder.
For Vientos, this second half could be career-defining. It’s his chance to remind everyone that last year wasn’t a fluke—and that his role in New York is far from finished.
As the Mets push through a pivotal summer, the return of a healthy, confident Mark Vientos could be the turning point.
The flame is lit. Now, let’s see how far it burns.