Mets' Mark Vientos belts homer to snap out of slump as regular season nears

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Mark Vientos, who had been struggling at the plate in spring training with a 1-for-31 start, hit a home run in the Mets' 3-1 split-squad victory over the Nationals on Saturday. Vientos' homer helped snap him out of his early slump as the Mets prepare for the upcoming regular season.

Why it matters

Vientos is a top Mets prospect who is expected to contribute at the major league level this season. His early spring struggles had raised some concerns, so his home run performance is an encouraging sign as the team gets ready for the start of the regular season.

The details

In the Mets' 3-1 split-squad win over the Nationals, Mark Vientos hit a home run as part of a 1-for-31 start to spring training. Vientos' homer came in the game played in West Palm Beach, Florida. Earlier in the week, Mets infielder Jorge Polanco committed a throwing error in the 8th inning of the team's 7-5 exhibition loss to the Astros in Port St. Lucie. Polanco threw behind the pitcher covering first base.

• On March 21, 2026, the Mets lost 7-5 to the Astros in Port St. Lucie.
• On March 22, 2026, the Mets beat the Nationals 3-1 in a split-squad game in West Palm Beach.

What’s next

David Peterson will get the start for the Mets in their Grapefruit League finale against the Marlins in Jupiter, Florida on Sunday.