5 NY Mets players whose future can change most after the Bo Bichette signing

3) Luisangel Acuna

Luisangel Acuna isn’t directly affected by the Bichette signing because he doesn’t play third base. However, with Bichette being a potential backup in case of an injury to Lindor at shortstop and even at second base over Marcus Semien, there’s less of a need to keep Acuna around than ever before. He’s already in a spot where he’s a useful defensive replacement up the middle and pinch runner. Anything more and you’re looking at outdated scouting reports on him.

What’ll brush Acuna aside is if the Mets don’t find a trade partner for some of the other players mentioned on this list. Keeping Vientos and Baty reminds us of the logjam on the infield. Sure, there’s no longer a big polar bear at first base. The contract length of these new additions isn’t long. It buys the Mets another year or two for their young players to develop. By then, they might just be bench players or worse, Four-A stars.

Acuna’s lack of minor league options this year is what makes him hard to keep around. He has his usefulness. The Mets just have other positions where they could employ a speedy defensive whiz. The outfield, in particular, is a spot where you’d probably like to have your speed. Tyrone Taylor would be a good match for this role if only they had a better center fielder in place.

Acuna has minimal trade value at the moment. His versatility, which remains untapped as a center field option, might be the only way to keep him around. This is truly his last chance with the Mets. Guys with minor league options are the ones who should have this role, not fading former top prospects we’re waiting on.