Luisangel Acuna starred in one of the most impressive performances in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP) by hitting four home runs and driving in seven runs in a single game for Cardenales de Lara, a night that contrasted sharply with his modest offensive production in the 2025 MLB season.
A historic night with the Cardenales de Lara
The 23-year-old infielder, who started the game in center field, opened his offensive festival in the second inning with a three-run homer, driving in former Mets Ali Sanchez and Rafael Ortega. In the sixth inning he added a solo home run off former Dodgers pitcher Darien Nunez, extending Lara’s lead.
Acuña was not done there. In the seventh inning, he again hit the ball with another solo home run and closed his perfect night in the ninth inning with a two-run homer off a position player. The result was a resounding 21-9 victory in front of 4,728 fans at Estadio Nueva Esparta.
With his 4-for-6 performance, four home runs, seven RBIs and one walk, Acuna became the first player in Venezuelan Winter League history to hit four home runs in a single game.
A contrast to his MLB season
The offensive outburst was striking not only for its magnitude, but also for the context. During the entire 2025 MLB season, Acuña did not hit a single home run with the Mets. In 95 games, he posted a .234/.293/.274 offensive line, with eight RBIs, being used mainly as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement.
After a promising start to the campaign – which earned him recognition as the National League Rookie of the Month in April – Acuña went through a deep offensive slump in May and June, which led to his demotion to Triple-A and constant movement between leagues.
A versatile talent with an uncertain future
Acquired from the Rangers in the trade for Max Scherzer in 2023, Acuna was ranked as the Mets’ third-best prospect by MLB.com in 2024. His defensive versatility has allowed him to play second base, third base, shortstop and center field, as well as excelling as a baserunner.
Looking ahead to 2026, Acuña finds himself out of minor league options, which forces the Mets to make a key decision, as a new assignment would involve exposing him to waivers.
The support of the board
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has reiterated his confidence in the Venezuelan. “He’s a unique player because his potential is so high. He doesn’t need to be an elite hitter to have a starting role,” he said in November.
The historic night in Venezuela may not define his immediate future, but it did remind him of the competitive ceiling of a player who is still looking to establish himself at the highest level.
Read the full article here
