Importance Score: 40 / 100 🔵
Mets Seek Offensive Spark at Second Base Amid McNeil’s Absence
The New York Mets are still seeking offensive consistency at second base as Jeff McNeil recovers from an oblique strain suffered in spring training. His absence has opened the door for other players to step up and contribute.
Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña have both struggled to provide offensive contributions at second base while McNeil is sidelined. Rather than establishing a productive left-right platoon for manager Carlos Mendoza, the young pair has largely faltered at the plate.
Prior to Monday’s game against the Marlins, the Mets ranked last in MLB in OPS for second basemen (.306), with Baty and Acuña accumulating a combined 4-for-35 with a single walk and 11 strikeouts.
Acuña’s struggles continued Monday night as he went hitless and committed an error on a ground ball in the seventh inning of a 2-0 victory over the Marlins at Citi Field.
The offensive struggles at second base have been somewhat overshadowed by the strong performances of Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, and Brandon Nimmo at the top of the lineup, along with Francisco Lindor’s improving form.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Stearns Aims for Improvement at Second Base
Prior to Monday’s game, President of Baseball Operations David Stearns stated his desire for either Baty or Acuña to seize the second base role until McNeil’s return. He indicated McNeil is still weeks away from returning, as recent unfavorable weather conditions at Citi Field have limited his ability to practice outdoors.
Stearns Evaluates Baty and Acuña’s Offensive Performance
“Offensively, neither player has begun the season as they would have liked,” Stearns commented. “Brett had an impressive spring training, showcasing his potential and the quality of his at-bats. For him, it’s about returning to that approach and seeing tangible results. Generating results is crucial at the major league level to rebuild confidence.”
Baty’s Recent Offensive History
Baty’s current struggles follow a previous slump last season, where after initially securing the starting third base job, he eventually lost it to Mark Vientos. Vientos, like Baty and Acuña, is also off to a slow start offensively.
Stearns Urges Baty or Acuña to Seize Opportunity
“If we can get some hits for both of these players, hopefully we can get one of them going,” Stearns said, adding that he would prefer to see one of them take charge of second base in the meantime.
Stearns Highlights Importance of Capitalizing on Opportunities
“I’d love to see one of them capitalize on these at-bats and perform,” Stearns stated. “That’s what someone like Mark Vientos did last year when he got an opportunity and solidified a spot at the major league level. You’d like to see that from young players. I also understand it can’t always happen exactly when we want it to.”
Stearns Commends Defensive Performance
Stearns expressed satisfaction with both players’ defensive performance, noting Baty’s quicker-than-expected adaptation to second base, given his limited prior experience at the position, even in the minor leagues.
McNeil’s Return and Roster Implications
Once McNeil returns, one of them is likely to be sent back to Triple-A Syracuse.
Stearns Emphasizes Future Opportunities Despite Current Situation
“For both of these guys, if one of them does find their way back to the minor leagues at some point when we get fully healthy, there will be other opportunities,” Stearns said. “We know that through whatever happens, they are going to find their way back to the big leagues and get another shot. But I would love to see one or both of them perform at a really high level before we have to make those decisions and prove they’re going to really contribute throughout the course of a year.”
Mendoza’s Approach to Lineup Construction
Manager Carlos Mendoza is tasked with maximizing production from the second base position in the lineup. This consideration led to his decision to deploy the right-handed hitting Acuña on Monday, even with Miami starting right-hander Valente Bellozo.