The New York Mets have made a surprising move by trading pitcher Max Scherzer to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for outfield prospect Cristian Acuña, saving $22.5 million in the process. Many had speculated that it would be difficult for the Mets to move Scherzer due to his performance and the money owed to him. However, they were able to acquire Acuña, who is the younger brother of Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. and the son of former Mets minor leaguer Ron Acuña.
Before the trade, Acuña was ranked as MLB’s No. 87 prospect by Baseball America and the Rangers’ No. 2 prospect by MLB Pipeline. He had an impressive season in Double-A Frisco, with a .315 batting average, .377 on-base percentage, and .453 slugging percentage. Additionally, he recorded 25 doubles, seven home runs, 51 RBI, and an impressive 42 stolen bases in 84 games.
Scouts have noted that while Acuña may not possess the same potential as his older brother, he has the potential to become an above-average everyday player with a well-rounded skill set. He has shown improvement in his bat-to-ball skills, reducing his strikeout percentage from the previous year. Acuña also has a good understanding of the strike zone and is willing to take his walks.
Defensively, Acuña has played multiple positions, including shortstop, second base, and center field. Although scouts believe he is more comfortable in the infield, there is speculation about whether the Mets will give him more opportunities in the outfield due to his arm strength. Acuña’s athleticism and baseball IQ make him a standout player on both the field and the base paths, where he has showcased his speed and ability to steal bases.
While Acuña may not be known for his home run power, scouts expect him to excel in hitting doubles and triples. He has worked on his swing path and has shown improved exit velocities, indicating a potential for increased power. Although his groundball rate is slightly higher than desired, there is optimism that it will decrease as his career progresses.
The acquisition of Acuña is a significant addition to the Mets’ farm system, making him the top prospect in their organization. Furthermore, he is expected to rank among the top 50-100 prospects across various publications. The trade represents a win for Mets’ GM Billy Eppler and the team, as they not only acquire a promising prospect but also save a substantial amount of money by parting ways with Scherzer.
In conclusion, the Mets surprised the baseball world by trading Max Scherzer to the Braves for Cristian Acuña, the younger brother of Ronald Acuña Jr. and an exciting prospect in his own right. This move not only bolsters the Mets’ farm system but also provides an opportunity for Acuña to showcase his skills and potentially become an impactful player at the major league level.
