It would be a mistake for the NY Mets not to have Luisangel Acuña replace Jeff McNeil

New York Mets roster spots and position battles in spring training are heating up. One of the most intriguing decisions lies at second base, where veteran Jeff McNeil faces off against touted prospect Luisangel Acuña.

While the current projection sees McNeil as the regular second baseman, it would be a critical mistake for the Mets to overlook Acuña's potential and undeniable advantages. Despite a brief but impactful stint with the Mets last year, Acuña has everything in his arsenal to surpass McNeil and become the team's everyday second baseman.

Why Luisangel Acuña is the answer at second base

Acuña's defensive alone makes him a standout candidate. His versatility across the infield, coupled with the potential for elite-level play at second, contrasts sharply with McNeil's recent defensive decline. McNeil's defensive metrics have shown a concerning decline, particularly in range. His movement to his right hand has regressed year after year from 2021 to 2024, hindering the Mets' ability to improve run prevention and execute crucial double plays.

Regarding running metrics, McNeil has never been a fast player, consistently ranking in the bottom 77th percentile for sprint speed. His -1 baserunning runs produced in 2024, according to Baseball Savant, further highlight his limitations. Acuña, on the other hand, is poised to be the fastest player on the Mets' roster, ranking in the 95th percentile for sprint speed.

The most significant concern regarding McNeil is his declining hitting profile. Once a premier contact hitter and batting title winner (2022), his effectiveness has diminished considerably.

A key factor is his increasing tendency to hit fly balls, rising from 53.2% in 2021 to 60.3% in 2024. While this might benefit power hitters, McNeil's low hard-hit contact and high squared-up swing percentage limit his value, especially in a post-shift environment. His strength was always putting the ball in play, and the increased fly ball rate is negating that ability.

Acuña's hitting potential is undeniable. Despite some struggles in Triple-A, his MLB performance last year was a breath of fresh air. He brought an energized attitude, fueled the team, and showcased the skills that earned him a top-100 prospect ranking. He demonstrates the ability to put the ball in play, and his speed allows him to maximize his offensive output.

While McNeil has been a valuable player, his regression is evident. Acuña represents the future, and his superior defense, speed, and potential make him the clear choice for the starting second base job. By giving Acuña consistent playing time, the Mets invest in their future and immediately improve their defense and baserunning. Luisangel Acuña's time is now, and the Mets must seize the opportunity.