Luis Ángel Acuña's incredible run with the Mets almost didn't happen.
Washington Post reporter Jon Heyman reported this week that David Stearns and team “listened seriously” to Acuña at this year's trade deadline but ultimately decided against dealing the rookie shortstop.
The Mets instead made a series of moves in late July, acquiring starting pitcher Paul Blackburn, outfielder Jesse Winker and several relief pitchers, all without giving up the 22-year-old.
Acuna has been in top form in the absence of Francisco Lindor, who hasn't played a full game since Sept. 13 because of a back injury.
In nine games, Acuna batted .379/.400/.828 with three home runs, two doubles and one triple while playing at the Mets' most important defensive position.
The Mets are 6-3 since Acuna was promoted and remain in the National League wild-card spot even without their best player.
Acuña, the younger brother of Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr., was acquired by the Mets in exchange for Max Scherzer during the team's infamous 2023 MLB trade deadline sale.
Just one week into the major leagues, the Mets have gotten more out of Acuña than they could have ever imagined.
The Venezuelan native was ranked outside the top 10 on MLB Pipeline's list of Mets prospects and was batting just .258 with seven homers in 587 at-bats at Triple-A before his promotion.
With six games remaining, Acuña and the Mets are in position to compete for one of the three wild-card spots.
They begin a crucial three-game series against the Braves on Tuesday, in which a two-game win would clinch a playoff berth.
One win and their fate is still sealed heading into the final weekend of the regular season.
