Mets roster expansion candidate for September: High prospect is one of those candidates
Should the wheels on Luisangel Acuna join the Mets when rosters expand in September?
The era of MLB rosters expanding to 40 players in September is behind us, and for good reason. That’s a lot of players, and it alters the dynamics of the game. Ever wonder why airlines are struggling? It’s partly due to having 12 fewer players flying around during the final days of the MLB season. The New York Mets can only call up two additional players now that the roster limit is 28, so they’ll need to make their selections carefully.
This month, we’ll look at a few potential call-up candidates, starting with a player who was once the Mets’ top prospect but has since dropped a few spots.
Should the Mets use a September roster spot on Luisangel Acuna?
Luisangel Acuña is one of the candidates in consideration. Despite having an average season in Triple-A, his spot on the 40-man roster is a major factor in his potential call-up. He has already used two of his three minor league options, so it would be a waste to miss the opportunity to give him a shot in September, especially when it makes sense to do so.
In Triple-A, Acuña is hitting .265/.313/.370 with 6 home runs and has stolen 31 bases in 44 attempts. This season has been a bit of a wake-up call compared to last year’s 57 steals in 67 attempts, as opposing pitchers and catchers are more cautious when he’s on base, which has impacted his stolen base success rate.
When considering which position player the Mets should call up, Acuña’s versatility is key. While his bat may not seem ready for the majors and he isn’t particularly needed defensively, he can play all three middle positions, and his time in center field this season makes him a valuable utility player.
Imagine this scenario: with Starling Marte returning, the Mets will need to decide who takes over Ben Gamel’s spot on the roster. Acuña has been utilized in pinch-running situations, and he’s certainly faster, making him a strong candidate. Moreover, with only four starting pitchers needed in the postseason, Acuña could find a place on the playoff roster if the Mets advance.
His ability to play multiple positions, his speed, and his current spot on the 40-man roster are all pluses, with the only drawback being concerns about his hitting. Acuña has fairly balanced stats against both righties and lefties, holding a .262/.306/.378 line against right-handers and a stronger .277/.337/.674 against left-handers.
While Acuña might not be expected to step up to the plate often, the strongest argument against him is the value of a reliable bat off the bench. Are there any alternatives that any team might find more intriguing?
