Mets don’t want Acuña to try to be his brother
PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets have so many players in spring training this season that they had to set up auxiliary lockers in the middle of the clubhouse. Lockers are bookending the couches in the middle of the room, six of them in use by some of the organization’s top prospects, with pitchers Christian Scott, Mike Vasil, Dominic Hamel and Nate Lavender occupying four of them, and Jett Williams and Logan Gilbert occupying two on the other side of the room.
One of the temporary lockers contains basketballs for the hoop above the equipment room. Another will likely go to Ji-Man Choi, the Mets’ newest minor league signing.
So if you’re wondering where Luisangel Acuña, the Mets’ top overall prospect in the system, is in the configuration of the lockers, don’t worry, he occupies some prime real estate right next to shortstop Francisco Lindor.
“It feels good,” the 21-year-old Acuña (photo) said through translator Alan Suriel on Saturday at Clover Park.
The infielder was the crown jewel of the trade deadline haul last summer, coming to the Mets from the Texas Rangers in exchange for Max Scherzer and cash considerations. The brother of Atlanta Braves star and reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr., Luisangel has some similar attributes, but they differ in positions and with the power tool.
At 5-foot-8, 181 pounds, Acuña has an explosive swing, but he’s four inches shorter and doesn’t have the same power that his brother in Atlanta possesses. But few players in the world have the same skill set as Ronald, one of the game’s most elite players.
“With my brother, there aren’t many people that can compare,” he said through Suriel. “My brother is a talent that you see every 100 years. I’m going to continue to go out there, I’m going to compete and do what I do.”
The younger Acuña is known more for his speed than his power. Acuña stole 57 bases last season in 67 attempts. He draws a lot of walks as well (53 in 533 plate Double-A plate appearances in 2023).
In his first full season at Double-A, he slashed .294/.359/.410 with nine home runs. The Mets will start him in Triple-A Syracuse this season, putting him one step closer to the big leagues.
“I’m taking advantage of every opportunity that I get to play,” Acuña said. “I think every opportunity that I get, I have to take advantage and do what I have to do.”
Acuña has played second base, shortstop and center field in the Rangers’ system, but with the Mets he’ll focus on the middle infield. The club plans to use him at second base this spring with Jett Williams playing shortstop. They’ll play both positions throughout the season, but the Mets see it best to give them each a singular focus during spring training.
Acuña will forever be playing in the shadow of his brother, but the Mets don’t need him to try to be the same player. They want him to be the best version of himself he can be.
“He’s just gotta be himself,” said manager Carlos Mendoza. “He’s got to go out and continue to learn and continue his development. That’s the biggest thing for him. Ronald Acuña is obviously a special player, but we know the talent is here [with Luisangel], and it’s important for him to understand who he is as a player and stick to it.
METS ADD CHOI
Choi was signed to a split contract to give the Mets another DH option. A 32-year-old left-handed hitter, he’ll compete with DJ Stewart for the left-handed platoon DH position.
Choi missed most of the first half of 2023 with a strained Achilles tendon. When he returned, he hit .206 with six home runs for the Pittsburgh Pirates before being traded to the San Diego Padres. Shortly after the trade, he strained a rib cage muscle and fractured his ankle, ending his season.
Choi spent the 2017 season with the Yankees, mostly in Triple-A.
“His power will give you quality at-bats,” Mendoza said. “I know who he is as a player and as a person, and I’m excited to have him in camp.”
RAINED OUT
With rain in the forecast for the Treasure Coast region of Florida on Sunday, the Mets plan to close practice to fans. Position players will report with the first full-squad workout slated for Monday.