LUISANGEL ACUÑA NEWS

Nabs third steal Acuna went 2-for-4 with a walk, a double, a run scored and a stolen base in Friday's 7-6 win over the A's.

Impact Getting the start at second base and batting seventh, Acuna put together his best performance of the season at the plate. The division of labor at the keystone may be tipping in the 23-year-old's favor given Brett Baty's tough start to the campaign, but Jeff McNeil (oblique) began a rehab assignment Friday and likely isn't far away from being activated from the IL. Both Baty and Acuna could simply be competing for one big-league bench spot once McNeil is ready to return. On the season, Acuna is batting .217 (5-for-23) with two doubles, three steals and five runs scored.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez set to begin rehab assignment, and 2B Jeff McNeil close behind

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez and second baseman Jeff McNeil are each set to take the next step in their recovery from injury

5 DAYS AGO • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Juan Soto homers as the New York Mets beat the Houston Astros 3-1

Juan Soto hit his first homer with the New York Mets, helping his new team beat the Houston Astros 3-1

MARCH 29 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Makes Opening Day roster Acuna will be on the Mets' Opening Day roster, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

Impact The success Acuna found in his first 14 games of MLB action last year didn't quite carry over into spring training, as he wrapped up camp with a .250/.304/.269 slash line alongside five RBI, seven runs scored and three steals in 21 Grapefruit League games. Likely destined to spend most days on the Mets' bench, the 23-year-old's best path to playing time is in the short side of a platoon with Brett Baty at second base until Jeff McNeil (oblique) returns.

MARCH 26 • ROTOWIRE

Looking good for roster spot Acuna seems likely to win a spot on the Opening Day roster and could handle the short side of a platoon at second base alongside Brett Baty, Tim Britton of the Athletic reports.

Impact The Mets may have been reluctant to bring Acuna north if he was just going to be stuck on the bench, but the potential for consistent playing time might make the decision to keep him on the 26-man roster easier. That playing time is available due to an oblique injury to Jeff McNeil, and if either or both of the youngsters play well in his absence, there's no guarantee he wins back the starting gig given how his production has declined since he won the NL batting crown in 2022. The 23-year-old Acuna would help his case with a strong finish to his spring -- through 14 appearances he's batting .226 (7-for-31) with a 0:6 BB:K, although he has gone 3-for-3 on steal attempts.

MARCH 17 • ROTOWIRE

Could help fill in for McNeil Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Thursday that Acuna is among the players who could step into larger roles in the infield with Jeff McNeil (oblique) expected to begin the season on...

Impact Mendoza also listed Brett Baty, Donovan Walton and Luis De Los Santos as candidates to help replace McNeil, though Walton and De Los Santos are attending spring training as non-roster invitees and may be less likely than Acuna and Baty to break camp with the big club. After getting a call-up from Triple-A Syracuse last September, Acuna exclusively filled in at shortstop for an injured Francisco Lindor and hit .308 with three home runs in 40 plate appearances to close out the regular season, but he made all seven of his postseason appearances at the keystone while McNeil was recovering from a fractured wrist. Acuna has dabbled at both middle-infield spots as well as third base during Grapefruit League play, but expect most of his reps to come at the keystone for the rest of the spring as he looks to solidify himself as the top option at the position until McNeil returns.

MARCH 13 • ROTOWIRE

Could help fill in for McNeil Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Thursday that Acuna is among the players who could step into larger roles in the infield with Jeff McNeil (oblique) expected to begin the season on...

Impact Mendoza also listed Brett Baty, Donovan Walton and Luis De Los Santos as candidates to help replace McNeil, though Walton and De Los Santos are attending spring training as non-roster invitees and may be less likely than Acuna and Baty to break camp with the big club. After getting a call-up from Triple-A Syracuse last September, Acuna exclusively filled in at shortstop for an injured Francisco Lindor and hit .308 with three home runs in 40 plate appearances to close out the regular season, but he made all seven of his postseason appearances at the keystone while McNeil was recovering from a fractured wrist. Acuna has dabbled at both middle-infield spots as well as third base during Grapefruit League play, but expect most of his reps to come at the keystone for the rest of the spring as he looks to solidify himself as the top option at the position until McNeil returns.

MARCH 13 • ROTOWIRE

Fantasy Baseball Sleepers 2025: Top 5 underrated shortstops to target this upcoming season ft. Carlos Correa and Luisangel Acuna There are a number of intriguing fantasy baseball sleepers this season when it comes to the shortstop position.

MARCH 3 • SPORTSKEEDA.COM

Fine after early removal Manager Carlos Mendoza said after Saturday's game that Acuna is fine after getting hit in the arm by a pitch in the second inning, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Impact The Mets will take another look at him Sunday, but it seems Acuna escaped the incident with nothing more than a bruise. In five games this spring, the 22-year-old infielder has gone 2-for-10 with an RBI, two runs scored and two stolen bases -- one of which came after he was plunked Saturday.

MARCH 1 • ROTOWIRE

Mets' Luisangel Acuña exits spring game after hit by pitch New York Mets prospect Luisangel Acuña exited Saturday’s spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays after being hit by a pitch. During...

MARCH 1 • SI.COM

Exits after HBP Acuna was removed from Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays after getting hit in the left arm by a pitch, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Impact Acuna was able to run for himself after getting hit in the top of the second frame and even stole second base before being replaced in the field before the next half-inning. His removal may have been precautionary based on his ability to stay in the game immediately after getting hit, but the Mets will likely provide more details after the game.

MARCH 1 • ROTOWIRE

Might have significant role Manager Carlos Mendoza said last weekend during the Mets' fan festival that he expects Acuna to have a "huge role" for the club next season, Peter Sblendorio of the New York Daily...

Impact Even if he doesn't wind up winning a starting job in spring training, Acuna could break camp as one of the Mets' primary utility players and get reps at third base, second base and center field. The 22-year-old made a splash in his big-league debut last year, posting a .966 OPS in 40 plate appearances with three homers, but his .258/.299/.355 slash line in 587 PAs for Triple-A Syracuse offers a better glimpse at his likely production in an expanded MLB role. Acuna's primary fantasy appeal would come on the basepaths -- in 145 games across the two levels in 2024, he swiped 40 bags in 55 attempts.

FEBRUARY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Ronald Acuna Jr.'s brother Luisangel's 3-word caption grabs New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez's attention New York Mets infielder Luisangel Acuna took to Instagram on Friday to post a snap from the 2024 season, seemingly looking forward to the ne...

JANUARY 26 • SPORTSKEEDA.COM

Will get look at third base Acuna is expected to compete for the Mets' third-base job during spring training, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Impact Assuming Pete Alonso moves on -- which is the expectation -- Mark Vientos will slide to first base, creating an opening at third. Acuna has never played the hot corner in pro ball, but he's a capable defender at shortstop and second base and the Mets evidently feel he could handle the hot corner fine. Slated to turn 23 in March, Acuna slashed .308/.325/.641 in 14 regular-season games for the Mets in 2024, although that was after he hit just .258/.299/.355 at Triple-A Syracuse. Ideally, the Mets would probably prefer to give him more seasoning at Syracuse, but Acuna currently is in line to compete with Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio (knee) for reps at third base with the big club.

JANUARY 17 • ROTOWIRE

Goes yard again Saturday Acuna went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double and a solo home run in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Phillies.

Impact The 22-year-old has been on fire since getting promoted last weekend, batting .385 (10-for-26) in his first eight big-league games with six extra-base hits, including three homers. Acuna's power display is especially impressive considering he hit only seven home runs in 131 games at Triple-A this season. Francisco Lindor (back) should return to the lineup any day now and reclaim the starting job at shortstop, but with a playoff spot on the line, the Mets could keep Acuna's red-hot bat in the lineup at another position.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Another strong game Acuna went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, an additional RBI and two total runs scored in Wednesday's 10-0 win over the Nationals.

Impact This was Acuna's third multi-hit effort in five major-league games, and he has homered in consecutive contests. He's filled in admirably at shortstop while Francisco Lindor deals with a back injury. If Acuna continues to hit well, he could push for playing time somewhere else once Lindor returns, though he'll have to stay hot at the plate with the Mets in the thick of the wild-card race.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Shines as Lindor replacement Acuna went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, two RBI and two additional runs in Tuesday's 10-1 win over the Nationals.

Impact Though Jose Iglesias assumed leadoff duties for the second game in a row while the Mets' usual table setter, Francisco Lindor (back), was on the bench, Acuna stepped in at Lindor's usual spot at shortstop. The rookie made the most of his second career start, providing a spark at the bottom of the order and matching Iglesias' output with three hits. After an MRI revealed no structural damage to his back, Lindor said that he anticipates returning to the lineup later this week, so Acuna may not have many more chances to build on Tuesday's excellent performance.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Reports: Mets to call up INF Luisangel Acuna Seeking to strengthen the bench for a potential postseason run, the New York Mets will promote Luisangel Acuna from Triple-A Syracuse, multi...

SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 • SUNHERALD.COM

Officially promoted The Mets recalled Acuna from Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday.

Impact With a .654 OPS at Triple-A, Acuna isn't likely to make an immediate impact at the plate as he reaches the majors for the first time in his career, but he's proven to be as much of a threat on the basepaths as his older brother, Ronald. The 22-year-old will take the place of DJ Stewart on the active roster and give the Mets some security in their middle infield while Francisco Lindor deals with a back injury.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Headed for Queens The Mets will recall Acuna from Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

Impact Acuna has been unimpressive at the plate during his first season at the Triple-A level, slashing .258/.299/.355 with seven homers and 50 RBI, though his 40 stolen bases is certainly noteworthy. Despite his offensive struggles, he'll head up to the majors to provide the big club with some additional infield depth while Francisco Lindor manages a lower-back injury. Eddy Alvarez will most likely get the starting nod if Lindor needs to miss any time, though the speedy Acuna could be used as a pinch runner at some point.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Makes cameo off bench Saturday Acuna (foot) came of the bench and went 0-for-1 while playing four innings at shortstop Saturday in Triple-A Syracuse's 7-1 loss to Columbus.

Impact Acuna was scratched from the lineup ahead of Thursday's game versus Columbus due to a foot injury, and while he has yet to return to the starting nine, his ability to enter the game off the bench Saturday suggests he'll avoid a trip to the 7-day injured list. The 22-year-old infielder is hitting .262/.311/.357 with five home runs and 31 stolen bases over 98 games with Syracuse this season.

AUGUST 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Scratched with foot injury Acuna was removed from Thursday's lineup for Triple-A Syracuse due to a foot injury, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Impact There have been no details as to the nature of the injury, though the report clarifies that Acuna is not in line for a promotion. He hasn't hit particularly well with Syracuse, maintaining only a 73 wRC+ and .303 wOBA across 442 plate appearances.

AUGUST 2, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Mets' Spring Breakout prospects game roster announced | Jett Williams, Luisangel Acuña to headline The Mets announce their Spring Breakout prospect game roster on Thursday. Here's who will play

MARCH 7, 2024 • NJ.COM

Optioned to Triple-A Acuna was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday, TimTim Britton of The Athletic reports.

Impact The 21-year-old was with the Mets for the first couple weeks of big-league camp but will now move over to the minor-league side of spring training. Acuna immediately became one of the Mets' top prospects after being acquired from the Rangers in the Max Scherzer trade in July, and a strong showing at Syracuse this season could set up the young infielder's MLB debut later in the year.

MARCH 3, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Could be option at second base Acuna will split his time in big-league camp this spring between shortstop and second base, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Impact Two of the Mets' top position prospects, Acuna and Jett Williams, are shortstops, but with Francisco Lindor under contract through 2031, both younger players will likely have to shift elsewhere on the diamond when they get to the majors. Williams will get reps in center field this soring while Acuna appears ticketed for the keystone, a path which potentially could get him to Queens a little quicker as Jeff McNeil deals with a partial UCL tear in his left (non-throwing) elbow. As yet, the elbow issue doesn't seem to be hampering the veteran, but McNeil also regressed at the plate in 2023 even before getting hurt. Acuna, acquired from the Rangers last July in the Max Scherzer deal, slashed .300/.364/.424 in 121 Double-A games last season between Frisco and Binghamton with 10 homers and 57 steals.

FEBRUARY 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE