Amazin' Daily Briefing: January 24th, 2025
In today’s Amazin’ Daily Briefing, explore key moments from Mets history, catch up on our latest posts, and dive into fresh insights from our writer's latest opinion piece!
On This Day in Mets History
Cover Stories
- 2009: Wise Up!
- 2016: Grand Slam
- 2018: I Feel Your Pain, Pay Ball!
Born on this date
- Neil Allen (1958)
- Mike Glavine (1973)
- Jose Quintana (1989)
Transactions:
- 1995: Texas Rangers signed Shawn Hare of the New York Mets as a free agent.
- 2003: New York Mets signed free agent Graeme Lloyd.
- 2006: New York Mets signed free agent Geremi Gonzalez of the Boston Red Sox.
- 2006: Baltimore Orioles signed Tyler Yates of the New York Mets as a free agent.
- 2007: Chicago Cubs signed Cliff Floyd of the New York Mets as a free agent.
- 2012: Cincinnati Reds signed Willie Harris of the New York Mets as a free agent.
- 2017: Texas Rangers signed James Loney of the New York Mets as a free agent.
- 2019: San Francisco Giants signed Jamie Callahan of the New York Mets as a free agent.
- 2019: Seattle Mariners signed Jose Lobaton of the New York Mets as a free agent.
- 2020: New York Mets signed free agent Erasmo Ramirez of the Boston Red Sox.
- 2023: New York Mets signed free agent Tommy Pham of the Boston Red Sox.
Trivia Question of The Day:
Who were the two New York Mets players arrested in 1986 after a scuffle at Cooters' singles bar in Houston?
During the 1986 with the Mets were on their way to winning the World Series, marking one of the most memorable seasons in the franchise's history, two of their players found themselves in legal trouble which garnered significant media attention. This incident occurred after a night out, leading to an unexpected and widely publicized legal situation for the team.
"We're going to win this thing. We're going to win the World Series," - Keith Hernandez, 1986
Latest Posts
Thomas Vaccaro
Thomas Vaccaro
Random Player Spotlight
Roger Cedeno
Born: August 16, 1974 Valencia, Venezuela
- Years with Mets: 1999, 2002, 2003
- 452 games. 18 HR, 114 RBI, 0.279 avg, 225 Runs, 105 stolen bases
Trivia Answer
Ron Darling and Tim Teufel, found themselves embroiled in a legal battle over assault charges from a scuffle at Cooters' singles bar in Houston.
Is Luisangel Acuna Just a Utility Player?
Background
Luisangel Acuña, younger brother of Ronald Acuña, initially worked out for the Braves in 2016 and was set to sign with them once he turned 16. However, due to fallout from the Braves' illegal dealings under former GM John Coppolella, including the firing of scouts and loss of international prospects, the Braves could no longer sign him. Instead, Luisangel signed with the Rangers in 2018 for $425,000.
Though neither Acuña brother was highly regarded at the time, Luisangel quickly rose through the ranks. In 2021, at 19, he had a solid season in Low-A, hitting .749 OPS with 12 home runs and 44 stolen bases. In 2022, he performed well in High-A (.900 OPS) but struggled in Double-A (.651 OPS). Despite that, he made MLB Pipeline's top-100 list for 2023, ranking No. 71.
In 2023, Acuña posted strong stats in Double-A (.830 OPS, 42 stolen bases) but was traded to the Mets for Max Scherzer and cash in July. He struggled with the Mets, posting a .621 OPS in 34 games with Double-A Binghamton.
In 2024, Acuña's continued to struggle in the minors, where over 547 plate appearances, he recorded a .258 batting average, .299 on-base percentage, and .654 slugging percentage, with 90 hits, 141 total bases, 7 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 40 stolen bases before his call-up to the majors.
Scouting Report
Luisangel Acuña, standing 5'8" and 180 pounds, while he shares his brother Ronald's stance, flashy gear, and celebratory shimmy, the comparisons mostly end there.
Offensively, Acuña has quick hands and a big, aggressive swing, yet maintains a solid 18% strikeout rate. While his chase rates have improved, he'll need further discipline to handle higher-level pitching. Scouts project limited home run power, with a ceiling of about 15 homers, but his growing ability to elevate the ball suggests doubles and triples will boost his slugging percentage.
Acuña is a plus athlete with strong baseball instincts, as evidenced by his 57 stolen bases in 2023 (85% success rate). Defensively, he displays smooth actions at both middle-infield spots and has occasionally played center field, though his long-term future is expected to remain in the infield.
Luisangel Acuña took over the shortstop position for Francisco Lindor during the latter part of the 2024 MLB regular season due to Lindor's back injury. Acuña impressed, becoming a pivotal factor for the New York Mets in their playoff push.
Over 14 games, he maintained a .308 batting average with 3 home runs, 6 RBIs, and 6 runs scored, showcasing his ability to handle the pressure of the major leagues with poise. His contributions were especially highlighted in crucial games against strong teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals, where his quick hands and aggressive yet disciplined approach at the plate helped maintain the Mets' competitive edge.
Acuña showcased a level swing, consistently driving singles up the middle, while also displaying his power by slugging .641, hitting 2 doubles and 3 home runs in just 14 games.
Riding high after the season, in winter league, Luisangel Acuña has hit .364 with an on-base percentage of .421 and a slugging percentage of .576, including 1 home run and 4 stolen bases in his first 11 games.
More Than Just a Backup
Luisangel Acuña has demonstrated he’s ready for a larger role. His poise under pressure and ability to deliver in high-stakes situations make it clear he’s not just a stopgap option. Acuña brings energy and consistency to the lineup, blending athleticism with a sharp baseball IQ. His ability to adapt quickly, both offensively and defensively, sets him apart from the typical backup player.
While some may view him as a placeholder, Acuña's performance suggests otherwise. He’s not simply filling a void—he’s making his case as a future cornerstone for the Mets. With every clutch hit, stolen base, and smooth defensive play, Acuña is proving he belongs on the big stage.
Despite his minor league troubles, all have been forgotten since his impactful debut and continued success in winter league, where he showcased the talent and poise that could make him a mainstay in the Mets' lineup.
