Mets' Mark Vientos gets 'feet wet' at first base in spring game

Vientos, who has limited experience at the position, could see more time there this season with Jorge Polanco likely to DH frequently.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 12:54am

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Mark Vientos, who has started just 12 games at first base in the majors and 66 in the minors, got his first game action at the position on Sunday as the Mets explore using him there more this season. Mets manager Buck Mendoza said he's confident in Vientos' ability to play first base, focusing on his work around the bag. Meanwhile, outfielder Ryan Clifford is working to become a more versatile player on defense, starting games at first base, left field and right field last season, as he tries to make the major league roster.

Why it matters

With Jorge Polanco likely to DH frequently, the Mets are looking at Vientos and Brett Baty as a potential backup platoon at first base. Vientos getting reps there in spring training could help determine if he's a better fit at first base than his natural position of third base, where his defensive issues have been apparent.

The details

Vientos, who has started just 12 games at first base in the majors, got his first game action at the position on Sunday. Mets manager Buck Mendoza said he's confident in Vientos' ability to play first base, focusing more on his work around the bag than his receiving skills. Meanwhile, outfielder Ryan Clifford, who hit 29 home runs across Double-A and Triple-A last season, is working to become more versatile defensively, starting games at first base, left field and right field in 2025.

  • Vientos got his first game action at first base on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
  • Clifford split time between Double-A and Triple-A in the 2025 season.

The players

Mark Vientos

A Mets infielder who has started just 12 games at first base in the majors and 66 in the minors, but could see more time there this season with Jorge Polanco likely to DH frequently.

Buck Mendoza

The Mets manager who said he's confident in Vientos' ability to play first base, focusing more on his work around the bag than his receiving skills.

Ryan Clifford

A Mets outfielder who hit a combined 29 home runs in 579 plate appearances split between Double-A and Triple-A last season, and is working to become more versatile defensively.

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What they’re saying

“It's good to get my feet wet in the first game. Getting everyday reps over there [will] for sure get me a lot more comfortable.”

— Mark Vientos

“We know he's got really good hands, but I think his ability to use the whole bag — corner to corner — when he's going to stretch for throws [is important].”

— Buck Mendoza, Mets manager

“I try to be quick laterally and make sure my feet are moving and I'm putting myself in the right direction, getting to top speed as quick as I can.”

— Ryan Clifford

What’s next

The Mets will continue to evaluate Vientos' progress at first base throughout spring training as they determine his role for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The Mets are exploring ways to get Vientos' bat in the lineup more, including by having him work at first base, a position he has limited experience at in the majors. His development at the position could open up more opportunities for him to contribute this season.