The scouts were wrong – and at least one of them isn’t afraid to admit it.

Mark Vientos never reached star prospect status within the Mets system due to several questions surrounding his defensive ability, bat speed and emotional makeup. But after being recalled to the big leagues in May and given the opportunity to play every day, the 24-year-old blossomed into a top player for a club that reached the National League Championship Series, where they now trail 3-1 to stand. the Evaders.

“He’s performed better than I thought he would be, and every scout that’s seen him over the years, if they don’t say the same thing, they’re lying,” a National League team scout told Sports+. “Hats off to Vientos for persevering and being determined to become a better player.”

Vientos fought for the job during spring training but was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse after Mets brass selected Brett Baty as third baseman. Baty struggled early and gave Vientos another chance. He bounced between Syracuse and the Mets last season, but never got a chance for extended playing time under general manager Billy Eppler and manager Buck Showalter.