NY Mets player face-off: Luisangel Acuna vs. Ronny Mauricio

The New York Mets will enter the 2025 season with two young infield prospects on their roster. That is Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuna. The two have ranked among some of the Mets’ best prospects for the last few seasons. But the two play similar positions and could be part of the Mets’ long-term infield plans. So, how do these two young Mets infielders compare based on the five tools position player prospects are evaluated on, as well as their ceiling and floor?

Hit - Luisangel Acuna

This one goes to Luisangel Acuna. He swung and missed just 21.7% of the time in 2024. This led to an outstanding 16.2% strikeout rate. He didn’t hit for much average, however, with just a .258 BA. Meanwhile, Mauricio batted .292 in 2023. But he had a worse 18.2% strikeout rate with a whiff rate of 23.6%. Both Baseball America and MLB Pipeline project Mauricio to have a below-average hit tool, with both pinning him at a 40 grade, while Acuna projects to have an average hit tool at a 50 grade in comparison.

Power - Ronny Mauricio

Mauricio is a potential 30 home run batter. He hit at least 20 home runs for three straight seasons from 2021 through 2023, posting an isolated slugging percentage above .200 in each year. He showed off some impressive raw power at Triple-A in ‘23 with a 91 MPH exit velocity, the 11th highest among AAA batters with at least 400 plate appearances. Acuna hit double-digit home runs in 2021 and 2022 but just 41 dingers throughout 505 minor league games. His exit velo at Triple-A last year was just 87.9 MPH.

Speed - Luisangel Acuna

Acuna is one of the fastest players in Major League Baseball. His sprint speed averaged out at 29.5 feet/second, which was in the top 95th percentile of players in 2024. He graded out above speedsters like Xavier Edwards, Gunnar Henderson, and Oneil Cruz last year. Baseball America even has him as a 70-grade runner. Mauricio isn’t slow (at least before his ACL tear), as he had back-to-back 20 stolen base seasons in ‘22 and ‘23. He was also in the 60th percentile of sprint speed in 2023. But Acuna far outpaces him.

Fielding - Luisangel Acuna

Acuna flashed the leather up the middle in 2024. He racked up +3 outs above average in less than 100 innings at shortstop. Acuna projects as a Gold Glove-caliber defender. He can play second base and center field. Both Pipeline and BA have him as a 60-grade defender. Meanwhile, Mauricio projects as an average defensive shortstop and has playing time at second base, third base, and left field. He may not be bad, but he’s behind Acuna in this regard.

Arm - Ronny Mauricio

Mauricio gets plus grades for his arm strength by both Pipeline and BA. His arm will allow him to make the deep throws from the right side of the infield or get balls in quickly if he is playing the outfield. Acuna also has an above-average arm that can play shortstop or center field without issue. But Mauricio has a cannon that can throw runners out with ease.

Ceiling - Ronny Mauricio

If Mauricio reaches his potential, he’ll be hitting 30+ home runs, swiping 20+ bases, and playing solid defense wherever he ends up. He is a 6’3”, 166-LBS switch-hitter with the ceiling of a high-impact bat at a premium position. Acuna might provide more value on defense, but if he doesn’t hit for average, he may not provide much with the bat.

Floor - Again, Ronny Mauricio

Acuna will almost always get a shot because of his speed and defense at all three up-the-middle positions. Even if he does not hit much, you’re still getting a very fast utility man with plus defense wherever you put him. Mauricio has a lot more riding on his bat, which has some question marks with his hit tool. Sure, he can play an average glove up the middle, too, but he has less versatility at fewer premium positions and speed.