The New York Mets agreed to pay a hefty sum of the Max Scherzer contract so they could have their hands on Luisangel Acuna, Ronald’s brother and formerly the Texas Rangers’ top prospect according to several publications.
This happened before the trade deadline: the Mets, too far down in the standings, sold some assets and replenished their prospect pool.
The Rangers also did well to get an ace (albeit an old one) for a season-and-a-half while having to pay just a small portion of his salary.
All things considered, everybody wins.
After posting an .856 OPS in 84 games with Double-A Frisco (the Rangers’ affiliate), he has struggled a bit with Binghamton, the Mets’ Double-A team.
In 30 games there, he has a .668 OPS.
However, the arrow has started to point up after a few weeks of struggles.
“Luisangel Acuña’s power switch has been flipped to “on”: MLB’s No. 38 prospect swatted his first and second #Mets org homers in quick fashion Wednesday, upping his average to .327 over his past 12 games,” MLB Pipeline tweeted.
Luisangel Acuña's power switch has been flipped to 🔛
MLB's No. 38 prospect swatted his first and second #Mets org homers in quick fashion Wednesday, upping his average to .327 over his past 12 games: https://t.co/sdpU4fAiBG pic.twitter.com/mNgy56K1Ar
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) September 7, 2023
Acuna has 10 home runs and 55 stolen bases between the two franchises.
A player with excellent feel for contact, he is capable of hitting .300 annually in MLB once he finishes his development.
The power is not near his brother’s level: think more in the 15-HR per year range.
However, he might offer similar stolen base potential, and could develop into a star in his own right.
The Mets will be patient with him, but there is a chance he is ready for his MLB debut at some point next season.
He is one of the most exciting players currently in the minor leagues.
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