Luisangel Acuña Finalist for Rookie of the Year in Venezuelan Winter League

Luisangel Acuña, fresh off his impressive, albeit brief rookie stint with the Mets, has continued his prowess in the Venezuelan Winter League. The 22-year-old infielder has been named a finalist for Rookie of the Year.

Acuña has slashed .337/.419/.495, hitting three home runs, while knocking in 17 runs and swiping 18 bags in 31 games in what’s known as Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional (LVBP).

Acuña was the only rookie to play for the Mets in 2024. After struggling for most of the season in AAA Syracuse, Acuña was forced into action after the back injury to Francisco Lindor. Acuña thrived after being called up in September, slashing .308/.325/.641 in 14 games and playing steady defense up the middle, helping push the team into the playoffs. Once Lindor returned, Acuña filled the role of defensive replacement and late-game pinch runner in the postseason.

Acuña’s role to start 2025 is a question mark. He and Jeff McNeil are two of the options to start at second base on opening day, and with Pete Alonso still unsigned, that leaves the corner infield spots undetermined. If Alonso were to sign elsewhere and the Mets look in-house for replacements, Acuña, Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio could serve as options at third base, with Mark Vientos moving to first. Acuña could also start the year back in AAA.

The other two finalists for the ROTY award are Luis Matos from the San Francisco Giants and José Fernández from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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