1 future role for the Mets to consider with Luisangel Acuna

The New York Mets have a roster with plenty of question marks as we enter Memorial Day weekend. For the most part, Carlos Mendoza has trotted out the same roster David Stearns constructed on opening day. To this point, the results have been dire thanks to struggles from the Mets' core players. Aside from Brandon Nimmo, everyone deserves their fair share of blame for the team being below .500.

With the team out of a playoff spot in late May, many fans are wondering when the younger talent will arrive at Citi Field this season. Aside from Brett Baty and Mark Vientos, the Mets' lineup is constituted of veteran players on short-term contracts. If the Mets were to call up a prospect and leave the roster as is, Mendoza would have to get creative in finding at-bats for the young player. However, there is one versatile minor leaguer that could fit a 'super-utility' role perfectly now and in the future.

Luisangel Acuna will become a super utility player for the Mets

Luisangel Acuna did not get off to the hottest of starts at AAA Syracuse this season. In April, he hit just .235 with one home run and eight RBI. His strikeout rate was way up from last season, having 20 whiffs in 92 plate appearances. This result led Acuna to almost fall out of MLB Pipeline's most updated top 100 prospect list. 

On the other hand, Acuna still stole eight bases and scored 14 runs in 21 games last month. As of late, the 22-year-old is finally starting to heat up as he rode an 8-game hitting streak earlier this month. Acuna's strikeout rate has returned to normal while his defense has been superb in both the infield and outfield.

When thinking about the Mets' roster now and in the future, most of their positions we can fill in with a current player or another prospect. Brandon Nimmo, Jett Williams, and Drew Gilbert figure to man the outfield. A Mix of Francisco Lindor, Brett Baty, Jeff McNeil, Mark Vientos, and possibly Pete Alonso will man the infield. This layout would leave Acuna without a permanent position in 2025.

However, the Mets are forecasting the future by asking Acuna to become more versatile. At AAA Syracuse, he has played shortstop, second base, and center field this season. Given Acuna's limitations on offense, particularly his on-base and slugging percentages, he profiles best as a super-utility man who plays a few times a week. The Mets have lacked a super-sub since Wilmer Flores played all four infield positions back in the Sandy Alderson era. With guys needing rest days, the Mets would benefit from more roster versatility.

Furthermore, the Mets want to avoid playing too many guys out of position. Since Acuna does not have a path to the majors as a shortstop, a change in role would definitely help his chances. Acuna is also dangerous on the base paths, meaning he will find a way to still play in every game even if he is not the starter. With the Mets being out of contention in late May, carving a path forward that focuses more on 2025 than 2024 is certainly needed.