TODAY: The Mets officially announced Acuna’s call-up, and outfielder DJ Stewart was optioned to Triple-A to create space on the 28-man roster.
SEPT. 13: The Mets are planning to promote top prospect Luisangel Acuña, as confirmed by Daniel Álvarez-Montes of El Extrabase (first reported by X user Jorge L. Seoud H.). Acuña is already on the 40-man, but the Mets will need to make a corresponding move to open a space for him on the active roster.
Acuña, 22, signed with the Rangers as an international free agent in 2018. He joined the Mets at last year’s trade deadline in the deal that sent Max Scherzer back to Texas. Entering the season, Keith Law of The Athletic ranked him as the No. 2 prospect in the Mets system. Kiley McDaniel of ESPN had him at No. 3, as did MLB Pipeline, while Baseball America ranked him at No. 4. Eric Longenhagen of FanGraphs wasn’t quite as high on Acuña but still ranked him as the No. 6 prospect in the system.
Unfortunately, Acuña has struggled at Triple-A in 2024, putting up a .654 OPS and 69 wRC+ in 131 games. On the bright side, he has 40 stolen bases and the skills to play plus defense at second base and center field. Still, there is no denying that he has been recalled due to the team’s desperation – not his own merit – given the lack of infield options on the Mets’ major league roster. With Jeff McNeil out for the rest of the regular season – and possibly the playoffs, too – Jose Iglesias has moved into the everyday lineup and Eddy Alvarez is the only infielder left on the bench. However, Alvarez joined the Mets organization after September 1, which means he won’t be eligible for the postseason roster. New York will need a new infielder for the bench once October rolls around.
On top of that, Francisco Lindor exited today’s game against the Phillies with back tightness. He’s day-to-day and isn’t particularly concerned about the injury (per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com), but it’s unclear when he’ll be back in the lineup. He told reporters after the game (including DiComo) that all he can do is wake up tomorrow, see how he feels, and go from there. Even if Lindor is only out for a game or two, it makes sense that the Mets would like to have another infielder on the active roster.
Guess Lindor is hurt
This is not a good sign for the Mets. An injury to Lindor would be extremely unfortunate.
It was reported that they were calling up Acuna even before Lindor came out of the game yesterday. It’s not connected to him leaving that game.
Having actually seen Acuna play a couple games recently, he seems big league ready to be a defensive replacement or pinch runner. He is a streaky hitter, no prediction how that part will play out.
“Out indefinitely but unconcerned.”
So, what’s the prospective lineup for 2025?
Why? Lindor is expected to be fine shortly and we’re still in the regular season. Let Acuna develop further in the minors.
Not a big deal. In years past the MILB season would be over in a couple days.. Let him learn and get a taste of MLB. Maybe his speed will help us win a game or two as a pinch runner.
Actually, in past years, the MiLB season would have ended on Labor Day.
He’s up because of the McNeil injury to add defense and speed.
Actually the MiLB season continues.
Develop where??!?!!?!?! There’s only a week left in the AAA season, and the rosters are diluted. What kind of “development” would he be losing?
Not really diluted like they used to be since teams can only add two players, but I agree with the your point.
Still diluted… there are other factors that dilute the rosters or lineups. Major league teams that are out of it are relegating players to the IL, or waiving or demoting those marginal and 4A types to move the prospects up and get a look late in the season.
AAA clubs are moving AA players up and relegating their own 4A types to the bench, or even the “developmental list”.
They have eight games left in the minor league season. How much developing is going to happen? This move gives him a little major league experience. Acuna could also come into games late as a pinch runner or in blow outs. It’s not a big deal.
It also starts his clock to free agency, and uses up an option.
@styme, he’s already in his 2nd option year. TEX added him to 40 in ’22 off-season. ’25 will be his last option year.
All hands on deck. Playoff push. That’s why.
“Acuna develop further in the minors”…The Met’s baseball and training staff knows everything that I know and everything that you know and then some. I can’t see how letting a baseball player play baseball will hurt him in any way.
And you never know, a little taste of “The Show” could be just the motivational and psychological tool that puts him over the top and provides the confidence, motivation and assurance that the long grind of training and playing baseball has and will be worth the effort.
As with everything in MLB there are no “participation trophies” and no guarantees. If it doesn’t work out you just send him back down
What more can he further develop when the season is almost over, he can help the mets with his speed and defense also provide infield insurance. Plus Stewert is the sixth wheel on the outfield not necessary, can’t field, hit or run.
Even if Stewart hits he’ll give it back in the field, so pinch hitting is all that’s left?
Meanwhile the Mets are short at least one OFer and are light in the IF with McNeil out and Lindor hurting.
It would be crazy NOT to bring up the best IF-OFer in the system and just hope he hits .150.
“Develop further” in literally the last week of the minor league season, rather than the crucible of an MLB postseason race?
How is that remotely credible?
He is not big league ready
I agree, but he’s not going to be put in any significant situations, so I don’t think it matters much. He’ll get some ABs here and there and get a little MLB experience.
sad tormented: None of us really know that since we’re not scouts who have watched him play recently.
“We’re not scouts”…Exactly. The Met’s baseball and training staff(minor & major) know him best and they’ve concluded that there’s upside here to bringing him up. It could even mean Lindor is out for a spell.
Who knows? There’s no guarantees and you’ll never know until Acuna Jr. gets an opportunity
So are you saying you are an mlb scout therefore you can have opinions but not me?
It’s not a question of whether you can have opinions. It’s a question of whether your opinions should carry any weight.
sad tormented: The early results are showing that he’s not only ready, but a fine, poised young player.
No but his last name is more valuable than his stats suggest his bat is. His WRC+ is 69 at AAA. League average OPS is .765 and his is .654.
the brother of Ronald AND in New York
So what? DJ Stewart’s not ‘big league ready’ either, Eddy Alvarez isn’t either, and Acuna’s a better fit for a team short at least one OFer, and short at least one IFer.
You’re not hoping the last man on the roster saves your season, you’re just hoping he plays replacement level ball.
If anything, blame Stearns for failing to have on hand anyone better than Eddy A, Luisangel, and DJ Stewart.
@inutero Try to reply to what’s actually written, git.
This is about marginal players that are routinely available for next to nothing, not guys requiring multiyear deals.
I’ve read that Lindor is just day-to-day. Calling Acuna this late might indicate that Lindor is actually hurt? Mets are right in the thick of Wild Card chase hopefully Lindor is OK.
Lindor is fine. The Mets knew earlier today they were going to do this as Acuna did not play today for Syracuse.
Yeah I just read about Acuna actually not in the AAA lineup so this might already been pre-planned.
Acuña is in the Mets lineup at SS today.
No, I read the quotes by everyone involved. Mendoza said he would have stayed in the game if it had been a close one. But please continue being a fool.
It’s a double edged sword being an MVPs brother.
I see him delivering a year or two after a bit of nepotism in his prospect ranking rushed expectations.
Hopefully ACL problems aren’t genetic. I’m kidding. Ronald was crazy stealing 70 bases coming off a torn ACL. Almost none of them necessary except for padding stats. The team had a huge lead in the division. And the Braves were crazy for encouraging him, which they did, saying they liked how he was such driven player and to keep doing his thing. “A fool who continues his folly will become wise”. I don’t think Ronald is gonna try to be a big base-stealer anymore. I don’t think they will let him.
Luisangel Acuna promises to be the next Ozzie Canseco.
They better play him in the outfield
Say goodbye to DJ Stewart
Stewart was up and down across at least three different seasons with the Orioles. Once arriving with the Mets he’s been back and forth to the minors in ’23 and ’24. How in the world does he still have minor league options?
He was only waived and outrighted a few of his seasons in BAL. This doesn’t expend options. Plus he doesn’t have 3 years of service yet so he cannot refuse an assignment whether it is through the waiver or option process.
He still married to the cute nurse? He’ll be fine.
Acuna’s job is too be the 2019 version of Sam Haggerty. Be fast and steal bases. Occasional fill in im sure as backup utility. He should not be getting playing time over vets like Iglesias or even Harrison Bader
But Acuña is playing and looking like a poised, fine young player who is very much ready.
No Sam Haggerty here.
@Blue Baron its been 3 games
I’m not a fan with how the mets deal with their prospects. He is going to no doubt take a hit as a top prospect for being rushed to the show like this. Look at what happened to Brett Baty. Major League pitching is going to eat him alive and do damage to his confidence. Is that worth it?!
Is there evidence that “rushing” prospects can actually damage them?
Maybe a little peek at MLB and an ego check might be what he needs. Vientos was just bad in a few cups of coffee and now might be the best offensive 3b in the game.
Jurickson Profar apparently waited til this season to be good after years of hype.
Regardless of timing, maybe a dude just isn’t destined for MLB.
MB
“Major League pitching is going to eat him alive and do damage to his confidence. ”
I’m not going to ask how you know this
I know you can’t know it
I am going to ask why you think you know this
@DodgersBro Splendidly phrased.
Vientos was never ranked high in mlb prospect rankings yet he has done an excellent job. It’s not always about talent it’s the desire to excel that make the difference.
mv
“It’s not always about talent it’s the desire to excel that make the difference.”
Or, it’s about talent and it’s hard tell who has more untapped talent they will tap in to
Agree. All athletes at this level have a “desire to excel”.
Mark Vientos was the #9 3b going into 2022.
Acuña is not on the top 10 ss list.
Versatile. Post season eligible should NYM get in. Ideal time for him to get acclimated
Could see a rematch of the 2015 WS happening this year.
Instead of deep insights like “he’s not ready” – NYM fans should be hoping and pulling for Mr Acuña to be a 2024 Timo Perez sparkplug
They can still play with his 3rd Option next year. Nothing is lost.
Perhaps you’re not following, Johnny… they can still “manipulate” his service time next year. 2030 isn’t the end of Acuña’s NYM control… yet.
Correct no reason to expect him to be up all of next season given his output this year
@Johnny utah The Mets aren’t re-signing Pete. They’ve lost nothing beyond the need to decide whether to pay a 2-3 WAR 1Bman in steep decline $20m for his last arb year (which is what 2025 would be) had they kept him down in 2019.
Even BVW understood that little was lost by giving away the age 30 season of a defensively limited 1Bman, particularly in 2019 when the Mets had little to offer their fans.
A great player , great career so far. On the path to HOF yet doesn’t get the credit he deserves. A true gamer.
If baseball doesn’t work out for him, I could see him on TV fighting the forces of evil in ‘Luisangel Acuña – Vampire Hunter’.
I couldn’t see that
No? Okay.
Acuna is a prospect with some potential but he probably is more of a pinch runner or defensive sub at this point, he had a sub 300 obp in AAA this year.
Agreed. He’s not remotely ready to excel or even to prove competent over a full season, but it’s hardly necessary that he do so.
He’s up because he fills holes on the roster slightly better than the next best option, not because he’s actually good, yet.
Better than Luciano lol
So far not bad but he’s no Lindor. Mets will be mets and here comes the choke. Would love to be wrong but you know.
@MrLOLMet
“He’s no Lindor??” Lifetime batting averages:
Luisangel: .286
That Lindor fella: .274.
Case closed!
kid has potential but healthy Lindor is clutch lately, they won’t make it without Lindor
turns out he was some Lindor, great so far
Come on, Leo. There shouldn’t be a comma after “too.” That’s an archaic rule of punctuation that was dropped years ago from style guides.