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| Max Scherzer Max Scherzer / Wikipedia |
What would develop in the next 24 hours was somewhat predictable but also came as a shock to everyone in baseball as the Texas Rangers and New York Mets struck a deal that would give the Mets a top 100 prospect and potential superstar in the making, Luisangel Acuna to the Mets in exchange for the future Hall of Fame pitcher.
The 39 -year-old has had one of his worst seasons as a pro in 2023. He currently has a 4.01 earned run average across 107⅔ innings pitched. He also has had a hard time keeping fly balls in the park this year as he has allowed a National League leading 23 home runs and is on pace to surpass his career high of 31 allowed.
Scherzer originally seemed hesitant to waive his no trade clause as he was unsure if he would opt into the final year of his contract that would guarantee him $43.33 million if he decided to stay with the team that would employ him.
Once the Rangers worked out a deal where they agreed to pay Scherzer beyond 2023 as long as the Mets covered $22.5 million of his contract, including the $16 million he is owed for the rest of this season and part of the player option, he will sign to stay in Texas for the 2024 season.
The Mets would receive a highly touted prospect in the Rangers system for Scherzer’s services as Luisangel Acuña will be joining the Mets Double-A affiliate in Binghamton, New York to complete the deal.
Acuña, who is a middle infielder, checks in as the 44th best prospect in all of baseball according to MLB Pipeline and was the third best prospect in the Texas Rangers system behind Evan Carter and Owen White.
The 21 year old who is the little brother of Braves Superstar and National League MVP favorite Ronald Acuña Jr has been dominating at the Double-A level in 2023. He has a batting average of .315 and 42 stolen bases across 82 games this season.
Throughout his career, Acuña swiped 126 bags in 151 attempts during his two-plus years in minor league play for the Rangers before the trade. He is a true shortstop who has the ability to stick there or at second base long term.
The Mets now have an interesting issue as the team now has two of their best prospects (Acuña and Rony Marucio) listed as middle infielders and the Mets currently employ Francisco Lindor and 2022 National League batting champion Jeff McNeil. Acuña is a very good athlete who could wind up at second base if McNeil is moved or in the outfield like his brother Ronald.
It is unclear what the Mets plan to do with Acuña, but they have got themselves a potential franchise altering player who could become one of the most exciting players in the league when he finally gets called up.