Mets' Mark Vientos Continues Spring Struggles After WBC Return

Cristian Pache makes impressive catch, Mitch Voit gets first spring hit in Mets' latest exhibition game.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:14am

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Observations from the New York Mets' spring training on Saturday include Mark Vientos' continued struggles at the plate, Cristian Pache's impressive defensive play, and Mitch Voit's first Grapefruit League hit. Vientos, who also struggled during the World Baseball Classic, is 1-for-21 in exhibition games so far, but manager Carlos Mendoza remains encouraged by his hard-hit balls. Pache made a fine running catch in left-center, while Voit, the Mets' first-round pick last year, got his first hit while filling in at second base.

Why it matters

The Mets are closely watching Vientos' performance this spring as he competes for a roster spot, and Pache and Voit are both young prospects looking to make an impression and potentially earn playing time. The team's spring training results can provide early indications of how the roster may shape up for the upcoming season.

The details

In Saturday's exhibition game, Mark Vientos went hitless and is now 1-for-21 in Grapefruit League play. Vientos also struggled during his time playing for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, but Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said he remains encouraged by Vientos' hard-hit balls. Cristian Pache, known for his defensive skills in center field, made an impressive running catch in left-center to rob Jake Meyers of a hit. Mitch Voit, the Mets' first-round pick in 2022, got his first Grapefruit League hit while filling in at second base for the injured Jackson Cluff.

  • The Mets played their exhibition game on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

The players

Mark Vientos

A Mets prospect who is struggling at the plate this spring, going 1-for-21 in Grapefruit League games so far after also struggling during the World Baseball Classic.

Cristian Pache

A Mets outfielder known for his defensive skills, who made an impressive running catch in left-center field during Saturday's exhibition game.

Mitch Voit

The Mets' first-round draft pick in 2022, who got his first Grapefruit League hit while filling in at second base during Saturday's game.

Carlos Mendoza

The Mets' manager, who expressed encouragement about Vientos' hard-hit balls despite his struggles at the plate this spring.

Jake Meyers

A player who had a hit taken away by Pache's impressive defensive play.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.