March 24, 2024
ANALYSISVientos looked as though he might begin the season as the Mets' top designated hitter in the short term while the newly signed
J.D. Martinez completed his ramp-up program, but Mets manager Carlos Mendoza may prefer to take a committee approach to the DH spot until Martinez is ready to go. As a result, Vientos won't join the Mets for Opening Day, while the team instead reserves its final backup spot for infielder
Zack Short, who offers more defensive versatility than Vientos. The 24-year-old Vientos should still be at the top of the list for a call-up if the Mets lose starting corner infielders
Pete Alonso or
Brett Baty or Martinez to an injury at any point in 2024.