Mets' Mark Vientos performs well at first base — but still remains hitless

Takeaways from the Mets' training camp on Thursday

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Mets prospect Mark Vientos made a pair of solid plays at first base during Thursday's spring training game, but he remains hitless so far this spring, going 0-for-10. Meanwhile, fellow Mets prospect Ronny Mauricio drilled a 111-mph single to center field as he tries to show off his offensive and defensive versatility to make the team.

Why it matters

The Mets are evaluating their young prospects like Vientos and Mauricio during spring training as they look to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season. Vientos' defensive performance at first base is a positive sign, even as he struggles at the plate, while Mauricio's power display could help his case for a roster spot.

The details

Mark Vientos, who is expected to play third base for Team Nicaragua in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, went 0-for-10 at the plate on Thursday but made a pair of solid plays defensively at first base. Meanwhile, Ronny Mauricio, whose first major league hit was clocked at 117 mph in 2023, drilled a 111-mph single to center field as he tries to show off his offensive and defensive skills to make the Mets' roster.

  • On February 26, 2026, the Mets played a spring training game against the Astros.

The players

Mark Vientos

A Mets prospect who is expected to play third base for Team Nicaragua in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Ronny Mauricio

A Mets prospect whose first major league hit was clocked at 117 mph in 2023, and who is trying to show off his offensive and defensive skills to make the Mets' roster.

Tatsuya Imai

A Houston Astros right-handed pitcher who was one of the more high-profile signings of the offseason and got drilled with a comebacker from Marcus Semien to lead off the game, but stayed in and pitched a scoreless first inning before departing.

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What’s next

Two of the Mets' biggest acquisitions to their pitching staff, Freddy Peralta and Devin Williams, will make their debuts in Jupiter, Florida against the Cardinals on Friday at 1:05 p.m.

The takeaway

The Mets are closely evaluating their young prospects like Vientos and Mauricio during spring training as they look to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season. While Vientos is struggling at the plate, his defensive performance at first base is a positive sign, and Mauricio's power display could help his case for a roster spot.