Syracuse, NY — Syracuse baseball fans have a lot to look forward to this season.
The Syracuse Mets opening day roster features two of the top three prospects in the New York Mets’ system: No. 2 Drew Gilbert, a 23-year-old outfielder, and No. 3 Luisangel Acuña, a 22-year-old shortstop and the younger brother of reigning National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr.
Syracuse opens the season at home against the Rochester Red Wings this afternoon at 2:05 pm
<<What to know if you’re heading to Opening Day>>
Manager Dick Scott expects the young talent to make a mark on the Mets’ season.
“There’s a lot of talented guys. We have young players like Drew Gilbert and Luisangel Acuña that are going to be Major League stars,” Scott said. “I think it would be an exciting thing to come out and see, just because you get to know them kind of before they become that big league player.”
Gilbert, who was selected 28th overall by the Houston Astros in 2022, has his mind set on winning. He hopes to bring this mentality to a team that finished ninth in the division the last two seasons.
“I’m here to win,” Gilbert said, “and that’s really only what matters to me.”
Acuña, who signed with the Texas Rangers in 2018 and was traded last season, plans to leave a mark with his dedication and hard work. His electric game is expected to give Syracuse fans a more dynamic brand of baseball.
“I play hard every time I stand between those two lines. Hard and focused,” Acuña said in Spanish. “Run the bases hard, respect the game, respect the other team. That to me is playing hard.”
Scott said he expects Acuña to be an igniter for the team. He’ll be hitting at the top of the order and taking turns between second base and shortstop.
Both Gilbert and Acuña are expected to be in the lineup for Syracuse on Opening Day.
Scott’s goal with the two players is to help polish their games. Many prospects of their caliber go through the Minor Leagues without getting enough time or at-bats.
Part of Scott’s coaching for Triple-A Syracuse is helping the players understand the nuances of baseball so they are ready when they become Major League candidates, he said.
