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3 NY Mets prospects who could put pressure on a veteran they will eventually replace

These Mets prospects could put the pressure on veteran players to step their game up in 2025.

ByNoah Wright|
Sep 21, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Luisangel Acuna (2) runs to first base during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Luisangel Acuna (2) runs to first base during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images | Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
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Last season, former New York Mets top prospect Mark Vientos took over third base duties and ran away with them. When the season started, he was already putting pressure on their Opening Day 3B, Brett Baty. However, the Mets still have a handful of young and up-and-coming prospects that could make an impact in 2025. Those prospects could also put pressure on some of their current veterans, who they’ll likely eventually replace in the near future. So, what prospects do the Mets currently have that could take over for some incumbent Mets players in time?

1) Luisangel Acuna

The Mets acquired Luisangle Acuna from the Texas Rangers at the 2023 trade deadline in the Max Scherzer trade. The top prospect made his MLB debut in 2024 and made a great first impression. He collected a dozen hits in 40 plate appearances, with half of his hits going for extra bases (three home runs, two doubles, and a triple). 

Although Acuna’s first sample size of playing time went extremely well, he didn’t perform much in the minor leagues in 2024. He hit just .258/.299/.355 with a .295 wOBA and 69 wRC+ for Triple-A Syracuse. Although he only struck out 16.4% of the time, he walked at a meager 5.5% rate with a sub-.100 isolated slugging percentage.

But Acuna’s speed and defense could make him a valuable player. Most of his innings came at shortstop in the big leagues, where he had +1 defensive run saved and +3 outs above average in less than 100 innings. He also logged playing time at the keystone and center field. Acuna was in the 95th percentile of sprint speed and swiped 40 bases last year. This is also the fourth year in a row he’s stolen at least 40 bags.

Jeff McNeil hasn’t hit well the last two years, which could open the door for Acuna to get more playing time. The Mets would likely move McNeil into more of a part-time utility man role, with Acuna getting most of the reps at the keystone in that situation. Acuna could start taking the bat out of McNeil’s hands when a left-hander starts on the mound, as it could end up being a platoon situation.

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