Mets' Vientos Reflects on 'Forced Wins' Amid Pressure in 2025

Young slugger says team put too much pressure on itself, leading to late-season collapse

Feb. 9, 2026 at 7:39pm

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In a candid interview, New York Mets infielder Mark Vientos opened up about the team's struggles last season, attributing their late-season collapse in part to an unhealthy pressure to "force wins" that prevented them from enjoying the game. Vientos also reflected on his own inconsistent performance and the uncertainty around his role as the Mets make roster changes this offseason.

Why it matters

Vientos' comments provide insight into the mental and emotional challenges the Mets faced in their disappointing 2025 campaign, missing the playoffs by a single game. His perspective highlights the fine line between competitiveness and maintaining composure, an issue the team will need to address as they look to rebound in 2026.

The details

Vientos felt the Mets were "forcing wins" last season, putting too much pressure on themselves instead of just going out and playing freely. This mindset, he believes, contributed to the team's 21-32 finish over the final two months after leading the majors with the best record in mid-June. Vientos himself struggled with inconsistency, losing his starting role after a promising 2024 campaign.

  • Vientos made these comments during spring training in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
  • The Mets' late-season collapse occurred in the final two months of the 2025 season.

The players

Mark Vientos

A young infielder for the New York Mets who had a breakout season in 2024 but struggled with inconsistency in 2025.

Jorge Polanco

An infielder the Mets acquired in the offseason to solidify their corner infield spots.

Bo Bichette

Another infielder the Mets added in the offseason to bolster their roster.

Pete Alonso

A star player who departed the Mets this offseason, contributing to changing team dynamics.

Brandon Nimmo

Another key Mets player who left the team this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“It's when there's a bunch of noise and a bunch of talking, it's just you go out there and play and don't have fun.”

— Mark Vientos

“It's just like, 'I gotta win. I gotta win.' And I feel like we put too much pressure on ourselves last year.”

— Mark Vientos

“I think it starts with the routine and stuff before the game starts. I was inconsistent in that part and then that just kind of showed in my season. I didn't feel good for most of the year. I didn't have a routine to fall back on, that could keep me steady.”

— Mark Vientos

“I feel like there's always a new group of guys every year, so it's not really something different.”

— Mark Vientos

“I have [Brett] Baty still, I have [Francisco] Alvarez, [Ronny] Mauricio. Those are guys I have known since the beginning and they are still here with me, so it's awesome to be around them still.”

— Mark Vientos

What’s next

Vientos will look to regain consistency and solidify his role on the Mets' roster during spring training, as the team aims to rebound from last year's late-season collapse.

The takeaway

Vientos' candid reflections on the Mets' struggles last season underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between competitiveness and mental composure, a lesson the team must apply as they seek to return to the playoffs in 2026.