PORT STREET CEA — While in New York last month to watch his brother win the National League MVP Award at the Baseball Writers Dinner, Luis Angel Acuña ventured to Citi Field. .
“That’s what I’ve wanted to do ever since I got traded here,” Acuña said through an interpreter Saturday before practice at Clover Park.
Acuña is part of a core of Mets prospects who will get a chance to show off their abilities this spring. Jett Williams and Drew Gilbert are also two position players in this category, while Christian Scott, Mike Bashir and Dominick Hamel are the highest-rated pitching prospects in camp.
Acuña, 21, was acquired last summer in the trade that sent Max Scherzer to the Rangers and will play shortstop and second base in the Grapefruit League.
“I think you have to take advantage of every opportunity you’re given,” Acuña said, noting his defense is his biggest asset.
Acuña played in 121 games at Double-A last season, hitting .294/.359/.410 with nine home runs, 63 RBIs and 52 stolen bases. Comparisons to his older brother Ronald Jr. are inevitable, but Acuña would rather focus on his own game.
“There aren’t many people who can compare to my brother,” Luisangel Acuña said. “My brother has a once-in-a-century talent. I’m going to continue to compete and continue to do what I’m supposed to do.”
The younger Acuña said he looked to his older brother for guidance while growing up in the minors.
“He tells me about his hitting, his defense, his discipline, his behavior on and off the field,” Acuña said.
The Mets announced that Choi Ji-man has signed a minor league contract. Choi will arrive at camp on Saturday and will compete for the DH and bench role.
Choi, who is left-handed, faces competition primarily from DJ Stewart.
Manager Carlos Mendoza, who worked with Choi in the Yankees’ minor league system, noted Choi’s discipline at bat. Choi spent last season with the Pirates and Padres.
“He’s going to give us quality at-bats,” Mendoza said. “I know who he is as a player and as a person.”
Pete Alonso said for every home run he hits this season, his foundation will donate $1,000 to animal rescues.
“We’re going to address the issue of removing animals from slaughter facilities,” Alonso said. “I hope to have a lot of home runs this year.”
