Why young Mets slugger Mark Vientos needs to play over Daniel Vogelbach

The New York Mets have been a flawed and inconsistent team to start the 2023 season. One of the biggest problems has been unproductive veteran players who have gotten more playing time than deserved. Daniel Vogelbach is one such veteran getting DH at-bats ahead of Mark Vientos.

The Mets need to embrace the youth movement and give Mark Vientos an every-day opportunity

Daniel Vogelbach was somewhat productive after being acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates last year. This season has been a different story. Vogelbach has hit for almost no power, his only offensive skill has been drawing walks.

As a slow runner hitting at the bottom of the order drawing walks is not that impactful to the team if it comes with no power. Vogelbach has come up time and time again with guys on base only to strike out looking. It is frustrating to watch as a fan and most Mets fans are ready for a change.

That change should come in the form of Mark Vientos. Vientos has spent the last two seasons tearing it up at Triple-A Syracuse. He has a big-time power bat and the upside that Vogelbach does not possess. We know what Vogelbach is. We do not yet know what Vientos is.

Vientos has not gotten a fair shot as a Met yet. When he was called up last season he barely got any playing time. This year he hit a home run in his first game as a Met only to be benched the next night.

Buck Showalter has given his veterans enough time this season to overcome their struggles. Most have not, including Vogelbach. It is time to give Vientos an extended run to see what he can do for the Mets. He could be a game-changing bat for a team that has been inconsistent offensively.

Vientos can also play a defensive position which offers the Mets more versatility. Vientos can play first base and third base, while Vogelbach has no position. Vientos playing third could allow Brett Baty to play in the outfield occasionally, giving the Mets more options.

The story of the Mets season so far has been disappointing veterans and exciting rookies. It is time to see if one more rookie can add to the excitement.