While the spring training report date for Mets’ position players isn’t until February 19, many players arrived in Port St. Lucie early to get themselves prepared the best they can for the upcoming season. Mark Vientos, a player who David Stearns said he expects could make a big impact on the roster this season, was one of those players who reported early to begin getting his work in.

“I’m excited man, it’s baseball season,” he proclaimed in speaking to the media.

Ed Delany, MMO

Vientos said he wanted to arrive early to spring training camp because he felt ready and wanted to be out here. “This is what I love to do,” he said. “I want to be out here already.” He said it feels like a “fresh start” being back in Port St. Lucie and “the first day of school.” (It helps the Mets had him and others fill out a chalkboard.)

“I’m a senior now instead of junior and I’m meeting my new teachers,” said the third baseman on the Mets’ management changes for 2024.

Vientos knows how much this spring means for him after Stearns commented that he’s a player who is expected to make an impact this year, but he said it’s not the competition against his teammates he’s focused on, but the process of becoming the best player he can be.

“I feel like I’m competing against myself,” he said. “I feel like it’s me against me. I’m not competing against any of my teammates. I’m just trying to be the best player I can be.”

Vientos not only has a chance to make an impact this year, but he also has a chance to be an everyday starter.

“I feel like playing every single day gives the opportunity to showcase myself at its best,” he said. “If I get the opportunity to do that, I’m not going to look back that’s for sure.”