Ex-Mets GM says Ronald Acuna Jr.'s brother could be trade chip for Garret Crochet with Lindor "locked up" & McNeil "signed for a period"

New York Mets infielder and brother of Ronald Acuna Jr., Luisangel Acuna, impressed in his debut season in 2024. In 14 games, Luisangel slashed .308/.325/.641 with three home runs and six RBIs. The 22-year-old has a high upside, making him an exciting trade prospect for the Mets in 2025.

Even in the offseason, Acuna has been making waves with his performances in the ongoing Venezuelan Winter League. In Monday's edition of MLB Network Hot Stove, former Mets GM Steve Phillips was asked how the club would deal with such an exciting talent.

Phillips mentioned that while the long-term potential seems exciting, the Mets, who want to be competitive in 2024, might look at him as a trade asset. He hinted at the Mets potentially trading Acuna for the White Sox's starting arm Garret Crochet.

"So, I love when guys play great in winter ball," Phillips said. "One, because it means they could be good players in the future. Two, it means they may be trade chips. For the Mets, you've got Lindor locked up for the long term. You've got McNeil at least signed for a period of time. There's some flexibility in what you might do at second base.

"If Garrett Crochet and the White Sox want Luisangel Acuña in a deal, well, he's put up good numbers. I love it when players perform well in winter ball, especially young guys putting up numbers. You know he played good defense in the major leagues, but what about that offense? Maybe he could be a trade chip for the Mets. So, this is a good sign for the Mets, whether they keep him or whether they trade him."

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Mets' Luisangel Acuna having a hot bat in Winter Ball

While most players try to relax in the offseason, Luisangel Acuna is using it to develop his game further. He's playing for Cardenales de Lara in the Venezuelan Winter League this season, and, by the looks of it, he's already dialed in.

During his team's doubleheader sweep on Friday, the 22-year-old scored three runs, added three RBIs, stole bases three times and reached base four times. In 17 games, the Mets infielder is batting .388 with an OPS of .996 along with nine stolen bases.

Apart from one game, Acuna has majorly played at shortstop. In 115 opportunities, he has made an error on three occasions, resulting in a .951 fielding percentage.

It seems David Stearns & Co. has a good headache on how to maximize the prospects of Luisangel Acuna.