There were many heroes for the Mets during their Sunday win and weekend series sweep of the Cardinals. One of them is trying to keep his place on the club long-term.
Luisangel Acuña appeared in his third consecutive game on Sunday, his seventh game in eight days. The Mets’ young utility player has earned more playing time as his offensive game matures, allowing his ability to wreak havoc on the bases to show off and cause fear.
Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Acuña is now slashing .289/.360/.400 in 19 games, and with the imminent return of Jeff McNeil from the injured list, Acuña’s spot on the roster might be a question spot for the Mets. However, it shouldn’t, as he’s earned his spot on the 26-man roster.
Acuña and Brett Baty made the Opening Day roster after spring training injuries for veteran infielders McNeil and Nick Madrigal. Both of them are young players with something to prove, with Acuña yet to receive sustained playing time in the big leagues, and Baty yet to provide sustained success in the show.
While Baty has struggled with a slash line of .200/.231/.300 and minuscule OPS+ of 52, Acuña has provided an offensive output that will play, to go along with a more natural glove at second base, and an ability to play center field at some point.
Acuña is also six-for-six in stolen base attempts to lead the team. And it isn’t just his ability to swipe a bag that adds value in terms of his legs. Acuña ranks in the 98th percentile in Baserunning Run Value, an area that’s been lacking for a veteran-laden Mets lineup.
Game Plan
McNeil is expected to see the lion’s share of the reps at second base when he returns from injury, so it remains to be seen if and how Acuña will be utilized. Fortunately for Luisangel, there are creative ways for him to get some at-bats, even on a healthier team.
First and foremost, the Mets can continue platooning Acuña at second, this time with McNeil.
Acuña can also be placed in center field, a position he has some professional experience in, dating back to 2023 in the Rangers organization. Both Acuña and McNeil have also been taking reps in center; McNeil during his rehab games and Acuña in practice. It’s just another place both can play in Jose Siri’s absence.
Center field also profiles as one of the few positions the team has not locked up via free agency but allowed young players to earn and take the playing time for themselves.
Acuña has no professional experience at third base. However, if Mark Vientos‘s groin injury is more serious than the team believes, perhaps Acuña can earn some time at the hot corner. Or McNeil shifts there and Acuña slots in at second.
One additional important factor that Acuña brings to the table is his ability to play shortstop. While Francisco Lindor plays every day, Acuña gives Carlos Mendoza an option if he wants to take Lindor out late in one-sided games or if Lindor is sidelined for a short period, and the team doesn’t think it’s necessary to put him on the injured list.
It’ll be hard to see the Mets optioning Acuña to Syraucse once McNeil returns from his rehab assignment. The utility player has earned his way onto the roster and the Mets are a weaker team without him.
