Luisangel Acuña Has Earned Playing Time Over Brett Baty

The battle between Luisangel Acuña and Brett Baty at second base is starting to take a side. For the first week or two, neither really separated themselves, at least at the plate. But that has since changed, as Acuña’s at bats significantly improved in the last week. He is starting to show some of the skills he brought to the table last season.

Over his last 16 plate appearances, Acuña slashing .429/.500/.571/1.071 with two doubles, two walks and three RBIs. On Monday, he played a big part in the Mets’ 5-1 win over the Minnesota Twins. After drawing a walk to leadoff the third, Acuña stole second base. Shortly after, he would score on an RBI single from Pete Alonso. Acuña collected his second hit of the night with a double down the right field line in the fifth. In the seventh, Acuña laid down a bunt. He placed it well and because of his speed, Twins pitcher Jorge Alcala rushed the throw. It ended up being off target, allowing him to take the extra base. Acuña scored on Juan Soto‘s home run.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza praised him for his impact after their win in Minnesota. “Every time we get contributions from the bottom of the lineup it’s important. Today, Acuña had the walk, double, he got us going with a bunt single, stole a base. There’s a lot of different ways he can help us win games,” Mendoza said about Acuña.

Acuña has a unique set of skills that separates himself from a lot of the other players on the Mets. As Mendoza said, he is one of the few who can steal bases quite regularly, which has been the case so far. Acuña has four stolen bases this season without being caught. That alone may be enough to make him part of the plans once Jeff McNeil returns from the injured list from an oblique injury.

All of this has occured as Brett Baty has decidedly not made a case for himself. He doesn’t have a single walk in 36 plate appearances this year, his swings look like they have in the regular season in the past (and not like they have in spring training), and he has just five hits in plenty of opportunities.

The other aspect of Acuña’s game that may now come into play is his defensive versatility. With outfielder Jose Siri set to miss extended time with a fractured tibia, the Mets will likely need cover in center field. Tyrone Taylor will get a majority of the playing time, but who will fill in if he needs a day off? Could Jesse Winker or Starling Marte play in the corner, moving Brandon Nimmo to center? Could Acuña go out there and play in the outfield occasionally? He certainly has the speed, but does he have the experience needed? Brett Baty’s limitations defensively give Acuña another edge.

Acuña began playing center fielder in the minor leagues during the 2023 season. Last year, he played 35 games (289 innings) at that position prior to being called up. Are the Mets better off moving Nimmo from the corner than putting Acuña in center? A case could be made for either. Regardless, it remains a possibility that the later could become a reality. If Acuña’s bat continues to produce, the Mets will do what it takes to get him into the lineup. He’s earned his chance to play more, and Baty had not. As the roster gets more healthy, Baty may be out of luck. Acuña’s earned his position.

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