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Rising stars for the New York Mets

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 2/16/24

With Spring Training set to start in late February, each team is filled with hope for a run at a World Series title and fresh faces are ready to make a name for themselves in the majors. After a disastrous 75-87 season in 2023, the New York Mets will look to bounce back in 2024.

Here are three rising stars who will look to make an impact for the Mets in 2024.

Francisco Alvarez, catcher

2023 MLB stats: .209/.284/.437, 25 home runs and 63 RBI in 123 games played

One of the top rookies in the National League in 2023, Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez enters 2024 looking to build off of his strong debut season where he hit 25 home runs and drove in 63 more.

Strikeouts were a problem for the 22-year-old last season, after striking out on 26% of his plate appearances he will need to focus on making contact more to take that next step to being one of the best catchers in the NL.

The last three players younger than 22 to record the following in a game:

- 2+ home runs
- 1+ walk
- 6+ RBI

Eddie Mathews: April 22, 1953
Al Kaline: April 17, 1955
Francisco Álvarez: September 30, 2023@Metsmerized #Mets #LGM pic.twitter.com/3GBiWHG4Lm
— Mathew Brownstein (@MBrownstein89) October 1, 2023

While his defense could also use some improvement, his bat is what got him to the majors and is what will keep him there if he wants to have a long career.

Entering 2024 with the job secured behind the dish, Alvarez will be able to take what he learned last season and continue to improve his game in the Big Apple.

Ronny Mauricio, shortstop

2023 MLB stats: .248/.296/.347, two home runs, 9 RBI and 7 stolen bases in 26 games played

One of the Mets' top prospects that made their MLB debut in 2023, infielder Ronny Mauricio looked like he would play a big part for the Mets in 2024.

But after a torn ACL suffered in winter ball, he isn't expected to play until September if his rehab goes according to plan.

.@Ronny__Mauricio goes to the 2nd deck for his 1st career homer! pic.twitter.com/DZubNI62OB
— MLB (@MLB) September 13, 2023

The 22-year-old slashed .292/.346/.506 with 23 home runs, 71 RBI and 24 stolen bases in 116 games in Triple-A last season before his call to the majors.

With six extra-base hits and seven stolen bases in 26 games during his MLB debut, Mauricio will need to find a position suited for him and could see himself shifting to third base if third baseman Brett Baty struggles again in 2024.

Possessing legit power from both sides of the plate, the switch-hitter is one of the more dynamic young players in the National League East and when he returns he will likely become a household name.

Luisangel Acuna, shortstop

2023 MILB stats: .294/.359/.410, 39 extra-base hits, 63 RBI and 57 stolen bases in 121 games played

The younger brother of Atlanta Braves superstar outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr., Mets shortstop prospect Luisangel Acuna is making a name of his own.

Acquired last season from the Texas Rangers in exchange for pitcher Max Scherzer and cash, the 21-year-old shortstop put together his best season as a professional in 2023.

Slashing .294/.359/.410, he finished the season with 209 total bases and 57 stolen bases in 121 Double-A games. He used his speed to convert more of his singles into doubles with a career-high 28.

Top-ranked @Mets prospect Luisangel Acuña notched at least three hits in an outing for the 10th time this year.

Acquired at the Trade Deadline in exchange for Max Scherzer, MLB's No. 40 prospect also swiped his 50th bag of 2023: pic.twitter.com/B3LMt50M1F
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) August 19, 2023

Due to Mauricio getting hurt this offseason, the Mets will turn to utilitymen Jeff McNeil and Joey Wendle at second base for now but Acuna will have time to impress the MLB club in spring training.

With Mets shortstop Franciso Lindor blocking his path to the MLB, Acuna will likely move to second base with the 30-year-old shortstop locked up until 2031.

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