Luisangel Acuña Shining in Debut Week

It is always tough for a player to come up from the minor leagues to the big leagues, yet alone come up while a team is trying to chase a postseason berth. Luisangel Acuña has been up for four games for the New York Mets and has helped out the lineup.

In Tuesday night’s 10-1 win over the Washington Nationals, the shortstop went 3-for-4 with three runs scored, a double, two RBIs, and he hit his first major league home run. That home run came in the bottom of the eighth and was a solo shot to left center (414 feet).

And there’s Luisangel Acuña’s first career homer — smashed 414 feet to left.

Acuña is 3-for-4, a triple shy of the cycle. pic.twitter.com/i1Adhv6qhf

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) September 18, 2024

Acuña’s night began in the third inning when he hit an RBI double to drive in Harrison Bader and tie the game at one. Three innings later, he had a base hit to center and he came around to score on the three-run home run by Pete Alonso.

Speaking of Alonso, he had some comments on Acuña after the game and how the 22-year-old has shown poise in his four games at the big league level (5-for-8 in his first two starts in MLB):

“He’s gelled super quick. He’s been a complete pro. I know it’s only been a few games, but I’ve really been impressed with how he’s handled his business. The play on the field speaks for itself, but just how he carries himself and goes about his business, he’s been a true pro so far,” said Alonso about Acuña.

Even his manager, Carlos Mendoza, believes that after a few games, Acuna belongs at the highest level.

“Just calm, poised, he belongs in the big leagues. Not only defensively, but those at-bats today and the way the ball jumps off his bat. I think he’s a kid that looks pretty mature. Doesn’t matter the situation, he’s just playing his game, and that’s good to see.”

Nobody expects Acuña to take Francisco Lindor‘s place while Lindor is out due to a back injury. He isn’t expected to be the savior of the team or anything like that. That said, unsung heroes and surprises can come out of nowhere in a playoff push. The one thing Acuña can provide to the team once Lindor returns is his versatility.

Throughout the season at Triple-A Syracuse, Acuña was not only playing shortstop but also getting time at second base and center field. Plus, his speed (40-for-54 on stolen bases) can play a factor late in games over the final 11 contests, and if the Mets can make the postseason, some October games as well.

Yes, it has only been four games, but Acuña has made his early mark on the New York Mets. Until the league figures him out to some extent, his development will be fun to watch as he tries to help the club hold off his older brother’s team, the Atlanta Braves.

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