NY Mets prospect expected to have a big role in 2025, what's the ideal outcome?

The current New York Mets infield configuration, outside of their all-world shortstop, has been shaping up like a jigsaw puzzle with no edge pieces in sight. Between Pete Alonso’s ongoing contract talks, rumors of David Stearns exploring trade options for first base, and recent buzz about the Mets possibly filling infield spots internally, the speculations have been dizzying. Then, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza dropped a comment about Luisangel Acuña that could be the key to unlocking the team’s infield strategy for 2025. When he was done, you half-expected Ty Pennington to show up outside Citi Field, shouting, “Move that bus!” as the Mets unveil their latest infield renovation. Welcome to Extreme Makeover: Mets Edition.

Mets Amazin’ Day on Saturday lived up to its name. The 2025 Fanfest was exciting, featuring a team jersey unveiling, appearances from Mets legends, and interviews with everyone from the pitching staff to ownership. Among all the buzz, it was Carlos Mendoza’s comments that may have offered the clearest glimpse into the Mets' infield plans. When asked about Acuña’s role for the upcoming season, Mendoza didn’t hesitate: “He’s going to have a big role, he’s going to have a huge role…” He went on to confirm that Acuña will get his chances this season and has been working at third base in preparation for 2025.

Mendoza's comments only reinforced reports from SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino, who revealed that the Mets believe Mark Vientos could be the better fit at first base if Pete Alonso doesn’t sign. Meanwhile, the younger crop of Baty, Mauricio, and Acuña could see some action at various infield spots during spring training as the team continues to explore its options.

Adding more depth to the infield conversation, a recent report from Joel Sherman of the NY Post revealed that Mark Vientos had a sit-down with Carlos Mendoza at the start of the year, where the Mets manager provided him with specific drills to work on at both first and third base. This focus on Vientos’ versatility only bolsters the idea that the Mets are preparing for different scenarios in case the first base situation remains unresolved.

The scenario where Acuña owns the hot corner and Vientos steps in at first base seem to be the one the New York Mets are sold on this spring.

After his breakout performance in 2024, I’m sure no Mets fan needs convincing that Vientos deserves a spot in this lineup. Acuña, however, might require a bit more persuading. But after diving into some of his recent numbers, it’s clear that he could be ready to step up and make an impact sooner rather than later.

Acuña certainly made an impression during his brief stint in the Mets lineup last September and October. In just 39 at-bats, he posted a .308 batting average, a .325 on-base percentage, and a scorching .641 slugging percentage with six extra-base hits. His 45.5% hard-hit rate made it clear he wasn’t fazed by big-league pitching. He has kept that momentum going this offseason, lighting it up in the Venezuelan Winter League with a .337 average, .419 OBP, .495 slugging, nine extra-base hits, and 18 stolen bases. Safe to say, it doesn’t appear he’s slowing down soon. The Mets may be onto something with Acuña, and he could be primed for a breakout season in 2025.

With all these moving pieces, the Mets' infield plans for 2025 are still in flux, but one thing is clear: there's no shortage of talent and potential waiting to be unleashed. With Vientos' recent stardom and Acuña's red-hot stretch, the Mets may have just stumbled upon their new corner infield duo. Whether it's a youth-driven renovation or a calculated move to fill gaps, Mets fans can expect an exciting spring training ahead. One thing’s for sure: this infield overhaul is just getting started.