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3 once-reliable NY Mets players fans are losing their patience with

ByThomas Yorke|
Oct 4, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (50) celebrates with second baseman Luis Guillorme (13) and relief pitcher Tylor Megill (38) and second baseman Jeff McNeil (1) and first baseman James McCann (33) and third baseman Mark Vientos (27) after defeating the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Oct 4, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (50) celebrates with second baseman Luis Guillorme (13) and relief pitcher Tylor Megill (38) and second baseman Jeff McNeil (1) and first baseman James McCann (33) and third baseman Mark Vientos (27) after defeating the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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NY Mets fans, as well as fans of every team, are usually a very impatient group. When a player is not performing up to expectations, they will often hear from the fans at the ball park. When a player has produced at a high level, fans expect to see these results to continue. Supporters can be impatient and adopt a “What have you done for me lately?” attitude. This negativity can be heard raining down from the suites to the cheap seats. Granted, the fans pay their money, so they are allowed to boo.

This same attitude may not apply to a young player like Brett Baty, who, although he may have shown flashes of potential, has yet to establish himself on the field. This also may not apply to an older veteran like Starling Marte. At age 36, no one expects him to regain his former All-Star status, but he still has something to contribute on a part-time basis. Still, most fans believe that if you did it before, why can't you do it again?

The Mets have three players in this category. The question is, how long do you wait for them to recapture their magic? Give up too soon and that player may end up reaching his potential for some other team. Wait too long and you are only holding your team back by playing underperforming players. They say that patience is a virtue, but impatience is also the right of every fan, Mets fans included.

3 Mets players we're growing impatient waiting for

3. How long should we wait for Mark Vientos?

Mark Vientos had an outstanding 2024 campaign. After failing to find his role with the Mets in parts of two seasons, last year he showed that he had arrived. Vientos hit 27 regular season home runs with an additional five more in the playoffs. It was thought that he might be a man without a position, but he flashed a decent glove when given the chance at third base. It was even suggested that he could be the Mets' first baseman of the future, should free agent Pete Alonzo sign elsewhere.

When the 2025 season dawned, expectations were high. Vientos began the season batting fourth in a new Mets lineup that began with Lindor, Soto, and Alonso. After several weeks of less-than-stellar production, the Mets began moving Vientos around in the batting order to see if something might click for him - so far, without much success.

As we pass Memorial Day, the first point at which we take a moment to measure a player’s production, Vientos has only five home runs in almost 200 at-bats. Having a batting average that has hovered in the .230’s has also not been much help for his production. Even his defense has not been as good as it was last year.

Mark Vientos is only 25 years old. It’s one thing to have this conversation around Memorial Day. It will be more troubling if we're still having the discussion on July 4, the next usual point of evaluation. If we are, it could mean it’s time for a change in direction with how Vientos is used going forward. You don't want to let a sophomore jinx harm his reputation to the point of consideration as a one-hit wonder.