PORT ST. LUCIE — Throughout a visit to New York final month to look at his brother settle for the Nationwide League MVP award on the Baseball Writers’ dinner, Luisangel Acuna ventured to Citi Discipline.
“That’s what I’ve wished to do since I used to be traded right here,” Acuna stated by way of an interpreter Saturday earlier than a exercise at Clover Park.
Acuna is amongst a core of Mets prospects who will obtain a possibility to showcase their skills this spring. Jett Williams and Drew Gilbert are two different place gamers in that class, and Christian Scott, Mike Vasil and Dominic Hamel are the top-rated pitching prospects in camp.
The 21-year-old Acuna, acquired final summer time within the commerce that despatched Max Scherzer to the Rangers, will obtain motion at shortstop and second base within the Grapefruit League.
“I believe each alternative that I get I’ve to reap the benefits of,” Acuna stated, noting that his protection is his finest asset.
Acuna posted a .294/.359/.410 slash line with 9 homers and 63 RBIs with 52 stolen bases in 121 video games final season at Double-A. Comparisons to his older brother, Ronald Jr., are inevitable, however Acuna would relatively preserve the give attention to his personal recreation.
“With my brother, there should not many individuals that examine,” Luisangel Acuna stated. “My brother is a expertise that you simply see each 100 years. I’m going to proceed to compete and do what I do.”
The youthful Acuna stated he’s regarded to his brother for steering throughout his ascent by way of the minors.
“He talks to me about his hitting, his protection, self-discipline and the way you act on and off the sector,” Acuna stated.
![Luis Angel Acuna](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/metsacuna.1.jpg?w=1024)
The Mets introduced Ji-man Choi’s signing to a minor league contract. Choi arrived at camp Saturday and can compete for a DH/bench position.
The lefty-swinging Choi faces competitors primarily from DJ Stewart.
Supervisor Carlos Mendoza, who labored with Choi within the Yankees’ minor league system, famous Choi’s plate self-discipline. Choi spent final season with the Pirates and Padres.
“He provides you with high quality at-bats,” Mendoza stated. “I do know who he’s as a participant and an individual.”
Pete Alonso stated his basis will donate $1,000 for animal rescues for every residence run he hits this season.
“We’re going to be attempting to deal with the difficulty of getting animals out of kill shelters,” Alonso stated. “Hopefully, there’s numerous residence runs to come back this yr.”