The New York Mets are in dire need of a spark, and on Thursday, they’re turning to Him to provide it.
He has been making a case for himself at Triple-A, delivering a strong 12-game performance that prompted the Mets to reevaluate his place on the roster.
During that stretch, he batted .289/.346/.378 with four RBIs and four stolen bases, showcasing the speed that can shift momentum.
Though he hasn’t shown major power, his dynamic baserunning offers the kind of impact that can alter the outcome of a game.
A reminder of His earlier struggles with the Mets
Naturally, Mets fans haven’t forgotten His early struggles in the majors this season.
Over 65 games, he hit just .241 with a low .293 on-base percentage and a weak .283 slugging mark.
That translated to a 68 wRC+, meaning he performed 32% below league average — far from ideal.
With limited power, pitchers had little hesitation attacking him, resulting in a lot of weak contact and easy outs.
Unless he suddenly taps into unexpected power, that dynamic likely won’t shift anytime soon.
Acuña’s defense gives the Mets an extra layer of security
If there’s a bright spot with Luisangel Acuña, it’s undoubtedly his defense. He’s already shown he can be a steady presence in the field.
At second base this season, Acuña has logged 334.1 innings with an impressive .993 fielding percentage and two defensive runs saved.
He’s also recorded one out above average, proving he’s capable of converting tough plays into outs — exactly the kind of support the Mets’ pitching staff needs.
That level of defensive consistency eases pressure on pitchers and helps minimize errors, a valuable but often underappreciated asset over the course of a long season.
Even if his offense never fully clicks, his glove and speed on the bases ensure he remains a useful piece on a major league roster.
The fit now with Baty surging and McNeil returning
Right now, the Mets seem to be promoting Acuña for the ways he can complement the roster, not because there’s an obvious vacancy to plug.
Brett Baty has shown glimpses of effectiveness at third, finally giving New York some much‑needed offense there, and Jeff McNeil’s return bolsters both second base and the corners, so Acuña won’t be asked to shoulder too much.
Instead, he’ll be used as a late‑game pinch‑runner or defensive replacement, letting the Mets tailor their lineup by matchup. Think of him as a piece on the chessboard that can leap two squares while everyone else is limited to one—his speed alone shifts the balance.
The next few weeks could define Acuña’s long-term role
If Luisangel Acuña can carry over his minor league success to the majors, the Mets might have a valuable piece on their hands.
They’re not counting on him to hit home runs — they need consistent at-bats, steady defense, and his fearless speed on the bases.
As the season hits a crucial point, every run is vital, and Acuña’s legs give him the ability to create offense seemingly out of nowhere.
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