3) Mark Vientos
Run prevention was the focal point of the Nimmo for Semien swap. Who prevents runs worse than Mark Vientos? Well, maybe Juan Soto. He’s certainly not getting traded.
The clear fallout of the Semien addition trickles over to Vientos who is now no longer much of an option at third base. Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio are the top options at the hot corner with the former being the more proven big leaguer in all aspects. Vientos is a first base and more so a DH option for the ball club. If someone comes calling, we should expect Stearns to trade him away without many tears.
The best opportunity for the Mets to trade Vientos was after his breakout 2024 campaign. They didn’t and with good reason. He looked like an All-Star candidate in the near future. In a full season, his 2024 numbers would have been explosive. 27 home runs in 454 plate appearances is a lot.
A big slip last year puts him on the trade block. Given the team’s willingness to part with the very popular Nimmo who is a better player in every clear way over Vientos, they shouldn’t be stuck on keeping Vientos around.
Prediction: He's in the Mets Opening Day lineup at first base or DH.
