Luisangel Acuna’s struggles in Triple-A last season feel like a thing of the past after the last four months he has put together.
The New York Mets’ 22-year-old prospect slashed 258/.299/.355 in Triple-A last season before he turned heads as a September call-up in the big leagues. He slashed .308/.325/.641 with three home runs to tease legitimate power with his top-tier speed.
Acuna has carried a strong finish to the season into the Venezuelan Winter League, where he is tearing it up with Cardenales de Lara. In 32 games, he is batting .337 with a .914 OPS, three home runs, 17 RBI, and 18 stolen bases while playing second base, shortstop, and center field.
Defensive versatility will gain brownie points with president of baseball operations David Stearns, who has preached just that since taking over the Mets’ front office last October. However, Francisco Lindor obviously blocks time in the majors at shortstop, and New York appears ready to roll with a platoon of Tyrone Taylor and Jose Siri in center field.
Acuna could break his way into the majors on a regular basis as a utility infielder, but getting a crack at the starting second-base job could be something to consider as this winter progresses.
The Mets’ front office could ultimately make a significant move to alter the infield, especially with Pete Alonso’s future unknown in free agency. As things stand, though, Jeff McNeil is the projected starting second baseman in 2025 and will be keen on proving that the last two seasons have been more a fluke than anything.
The former batting champion, who posted a .327 average in 2022, has regressed greatly since then, averaging .257 with a .703 OPS in 2023 and 2024.
In November, Stearns said that he would feel “comfortable” with McNeil as the team’s starting second baseman, but Acuna’s footsteps could prompt a change.
That is where the versatility comes into play again. McNeil can also play in corner outfield spots should depth be needed behind Brandon Nimmo or Juan Soto.
“If we need to flex him somewhere else, we’ll cross that bridge as well,” Stearns said last month.
Acuna’s production has that bridge fast approaching. A strong showing at Spring Training will only accelerate things, too.
