After hearing boos, Vientos aces 2nd chance -- and everyone loves it

Every now and then, baseball presents a player with a second chance. Mets first baseman Mark Vientos got one on Wednesday.

In the third inning of the Diamondbacks’ 7-2 win over the Mets, Vientos ranged into foul ground on the first-base side with room for a play on a Nolan Arenado popup. He misjudged it, reaching across his body with his glove, and the ball fell from his grasp.

Arenado struck out on the very next pitch. So, no harm, no foul, right? But Mets fans had already let Vientos hear it.

Then he immediately received his shot at redemption. Ildemaro Vargas, the very next Arizona batter, popped a 1-0 pitch to almost the exact same spot as Arenado. Vientos had a better read this time, camping under it with both hands and securing the second out of the inning.

The crowd gave a sarcastic cheer, and Vientos played right into it. He emphatically waved his arms to fire up the fans, and they roared in response.

Credit for some self awareness.

Vientos has been a key piece in New York’s 7-5 start, enjoying an early bounceback from a down year offensively in 2025. He has slashed .370/.400/.556 in nine games with two doubles and a home run. Vientos will likely continue to receive starts with superstar Juan Soto on the injured list.