Making it to the big leagues is tough, but staying there is even harder. Natural talent gets you noticed, but discipline, resilience, and an almost obsessive drive to improve are what separate everyday players from stars. New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos knows this all too well.
His first taste of MLB action in 2022 was forgettable—a 63 wRC+ over just 16 games. The following year wasn’t much better, as his 68 wRC+ in 65 games left him stuck in limbo, unable to carve out a consistent role. Many young players might have folded under the weight of these struggles, but Vientos and the Mets weren’t about to give up.