PORT ST. LUCIE — During a trip to New York last month to watch his brother accept the National League MVP award at the Baseball Writers’ dinner, Luisangel Acuna ventured to Citi Field.
“That is what I have wanted to do since I was traded here,” Acuna said through an interpreter Saturday before a workout at Clover Park.
Acuna is among a core of Mets prospects who will receive an opportunity to showcase their abilities this spring. Jett Williams and Drew Gilbert are two other position players in that category, and Christian Scott, Mike Vasil and Dominic Hamel are the top-rated pitching prospects in camp.
The 21-year-old Acuna, acquired last summer in the trade that sent Max Scherzer to the Rangers, will receive action at shortstop and second base in the Grapefruit League.
“I think every opportunity that I get I have to take advantage of,” Acuna said, noting that his defense is his best asset.
Acuna posted a .294/.359/.410 slash line with nine homers and 63 RBIs with 52 stolen bases in 121 games last season at Double-A. Comparisons to his older brother, Ronald Jr., are inevitable, but Acuna would rather keep the focus on his own game.
“With my brother, there are not many people that compare,” Luisangel Acuna said. “My brother is a talent that you see every 100 years. I am going to continue to compete and do what I do.”
The younger Acuna said he’s looked to his brother for guidance during his ascent through the minors.
“He talks to me about his hitting, his defense, discipline and how you act on and off the field,” Acuna said.
The Mets announced Ji-man Choi’s signing to a minor league contract. Choi arrived at camp Saturday and will compete for a DH/bench role.
The lefty-swinging Choi faces competition primarily from DJ Stewart.
Manager Carlos Mendoza, who worked with Choi in the Yankees’ minor league system, noted Choi’s plate discipline. Choi spent last season with the Pirates and Padres.
“He will give you quality at-bats,” Mendoza said. “I know who he is as a player and a person.”
Pete Alonso said his foundation will donate $1,000 for animal rescues for each home run he hits this season.
“We’re going to be trying to tackle the issue of getting animals out of kill shelters,” Alonso said. “Hopefully, there’s lots of home runs to come this year.”