After a 27-homer campaign over 111 games in 2024, then third baseman Mark Vientos felt like one of the true breakout stars of the game and a future cornerstone of the Mets' lineup.

In the 169 games since, Vientos has managed just 23 homers, has a slugging percentage of just .405, and is closer to being an DFA candidate than he is a central piece for the Mets. He was handed the reins to first base six weeks ago after Jorge Polanco's injury , and he has done almost nothing with the opportunity.

On the season, Vientos owns a .653 OPS with just six homers, both marks that fall incredibly short of what fans hoped he would be able to produce in a full-time role for the first time since 2024.…