3 NY Mets players who could ‘Wally Pipp’ an injured teammate

3) Luisangel Acuna is another possibility to make Jeff McNeil more expendable

Wait, is this Déjà vu all over again? Not only does McNeil have Baty to worry about, Luisangel Acuna is a secondary option to shove him aside. McNeil’s oblique injury might spiral his career trajectory way out of control. Two young players in a crucial season of their careers are slapping each other in an attempt to win as much playing time at one position.

There really isn’t an ideal choice between Acuna or Baty for the betterment of the Mets. Acuna certainly seems to fit the mold better as a traditional second baseman. He has the speed and the fact that he hits from the right side of the plate does make him a more ideal match to pair alongside McNeil. However, this isn’t about sharing. This is about thievery.

Acuna may not get quite enough time to “Pipp” McNeil out of the picture. An abundance of starts for Baty in the first days of the season should have him taking the majority of the at-bats as the team’s second baseman. Acuna will find limited playing time in a variety of ways. A stumbling Baty early on could have Carlos Mendoza quickly rethinking plans at second base and evening the playing field. In either case, it’s not good news for McNeil.

Acuna or Baty living up to their potential will push McNeil into a diminished role. They’re far too gifted to not want in the everyday lineup as opposed to a former batting champion who just doesn’t seem to have his best days in front of him any longer.