Mets Facing Mark Vientos Decision After Jorge Polanco News
The New York Mets have endured a highly frustrating start to the 2026 MLB season, despite carrying one of baseball's highest payrolls. Entering Friday's matchup against the Miami Marlins with a 23-33 record, the Mets are currently in last place in the National League East.
The Mets have been hit hard by the injury bug this season, with at least a dozen players spending time on the injured list this year. The combination of injuries and underperformances from star players has led to a season in which New York finds itself near the bottom of the Major Leagues in several key offensive categories.
The Mets have begun receiving some positive injury updates, notably regarding veteran infielder Jorge Polanco, who has been on the injured list since April 18 while recovering from a right wrist contusion and Achilles bursitis.
According to Chelsea Janes of SportsNet New York, Mets president David Stearns indicated that Polanco could return as soon as the club's upcoming road trip. Janes also reported that Luis Robert Jr. is progressing as well.
"Jorge Polanco could return to the Mets as soon as the next road trip, which is next week, Stearns said. Luis Robert Jr. has received injections and is improving, but needs to be pain free before he can start baseball activities," Janes shared on X.
Jorge Polanco could return to the Mets as soon as the next road trip, which is next week, Stearns said. Luis Robert Jr. has received injections and is improving, but needs to be pain free before he can start baseball activities.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) May 29, 2026
While Polanco's potential return would be a welcome development for the Mets, it could also create an important roster decision involving 26-year-old infielder Mark Vientos, who has struggled to find offensive consistency during his increased playing time at first base. Vientos has not capitalized on his additional playing time, as this season he is batting .224 with an OPS of .638 and an OBP of .261.
With Polanco capable of playing multiple infield positions, including first base, the Mets may soon need to determine whether Vientos should be receiving regular at-bats in Triple-A rather than remaining in a limited role at the major league level.
The Mets begin a three-game series against the Marlins on Friday.
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This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 2:19 PM.