Mets' Mark Vientos to get chance at 1B with Jorge Polanco's recovery

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza says the DH role will be 'in play big-time' for Polanco as he transitions to first base

Feb. 22, 2026 at 8:33pm

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The New York Mets are taking a cautious approach with Jorge Polanco as he recovers from a knee surgery, opening up more opportunities for Mark Vientos to get playing time at first base and as the designated hitter. Manager Carlos Mendoza said the DH role will be 'in play big-time' for Polanco, allowing Vientos to compete for reps at first base alongside Brett Baty.

Why it matters

Vientos, who struggled at the plate in 2025 after a breakout 2024 season, is now in a make-or-break year to prove his value to the Mets. The team still has faith in the 26-year-old, and this chance at first base and DH could be crucial for his future in Queens.

The details

Polanco, 32, is making the move to first base after 12 years in the majors as a middle infielder. The Mets want to ease him into the new position as he continues to recover from a knee surgery in October 2024. Mendoza said the team will not 'run him into the ground' and the DH role will be used to manage his workload. This opens up opportunities for Vientos, who is getting reps at first base throughout spring training, including a start against the Yankees on Sunday.

  • Polanco had knee surgery in October 2024.
  • Vientos broke out in 2024 with 27 home runs in 111 games, but struggled in 2025 with a .233 batting average, .702 OPS, 17 home runs, and 61 RBI in 121 games.

The players

Jorge Polanco

A 32-year-old infielder who is making the move to first base after 12 years in the majors as a middle infielder.

Mark Vientos

A 26-year-old infielder who is competing for playing time at first base and as the designated hitter after a breakout 2024 season and a down year in 2025.

Brett Baty

A versatile infielder who is being tabbed as the next Jeff McNeil in terms of his defensive versatility, with the Mets wanting him to play first, second, third, and the corner outfield.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets.

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What they’re saying

“Especially with him having a major surgery not too long ago, he'll get DH at-bats. Getting familiar with the [first-base] position, gotta get him reps, gotta get him comfortable. But we're not going to run him into the ground.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Manager (amny.com)

“It felt good to get my feet wet for the first game… Wherever they want me to play, wherever I get the opportunity, whether it's third, first, DH, wherever it is, I'm fine with it. I just want to help the team win and do my best job for it.”

— Mark Vientos (amny.com)

“We got options. I think it depends on matchups and where we're at in the schedule. We feel really good with the guys — if it's not Polanco — with Mark and Baty getting some opportunities here.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Manager (amny.com)

What’s next

The Mets will continue to monitor Polanco's recovery and ease him into the first base position, while giving Vientos and Baty opportunities to earn playing time at the position and as the designated hitter.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the Mets' depth and flexibility at the infield positions, as they look to manage Polanco's recovery while also giving younger players like Vientos a chance to prove themselves and potentially earn a larger role on the team.