3 NY Mets player role changes that make too much sense for 2026

2) More Luisangel Acuna in center field

Luisangel Acuna has barely played center field in the majors, logging only 3 innings. He has appeared there more regularly in the minors and foreign winter leagues. At the major league level, even as they had few answers in center field in 2025, they refused to use him there with any regularity.

This needs to change.

Beyond just finding a solution in center field, it adds to Acuna’s value. He doesn’t have much use on the 2026 Mets waiting around to pinch run or get the rare start up the middle on the infield. Francisco Lindor and Marcus Semien should have those positions covered. He has barely played any third base, removing him from that equation in most scenarios, too.

Even with time spent in the minors last year, the Mets managed to find 81 games for Acuna at second base. Most were as a late-inning defensive replacement which doesn’t feel so necessary with Semien around. What he could do, if the defense is there, give the Mets an added boost in center field. If nothing else, Carlos Mendoza has a few different ways to manage his team late with added security.

Acuna’s role should change from infielder to full-blown utility player, especially in the absence of Jeff McNeil.