Luisangel Acuña has been a surprise star for the New York Mets, as he stepped up just when the team needed him most.

While Francisco Lindor has been dealing with an injury, Acuña has been holding things down and keeping the Mets in the playoff race.

What’s crazy is the Mets almost traded him at the deadline. Now, they’re thankful they didn’t because Acuña has been a game-changer.

Here’s the full story of how Acuña went from trade bait to a rising star.

The Rising Star that Mets Almost Let Go

Luisangel Acuña has quickly become a standout player for the New York Mets, but it’s hard to believe he was almost traded before his breakout moment.

At the 2023 MLB trade deadline, the Mets were more than open to trading their young prospect.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Mets were “seriously listening” to offers for Acuña.

Rival teams thought Acuña was the highest-ranked prospect the Mets were willing to move, which sounds wild considering how important he’s been lately.

Luckily, the Mets decided to keep him, and it’s a decision they definitely don’t regret.

Since Acuña was called up on September 14, he’s been tearing it up at the plate and shortstop.

Acuña’s Arrival: A Game-Changer for the Mets

Evidently, Acuña’s arrival couldn’t have come at a better time.

With Francisco Lindor missing games due to his nagging back injury, the Mets needed a player to hold down the shortstop position and deliver on offense.

Acuña has done both and more. In just nine games, Acuña has posted stats that have impressed fans and team officials, to say the least.

His .379 batting average, along with three home runs, two doubles, and even a triple.

Manager Carlos Mendoza praised Acuña’s calm demeanor: “He’s just calm, poised. It’s like he belongs in the big leagues.”

And it’s not just his hitting that’s caught everyone’s attention—he’s been solid on defense, too. He stepped into Lindor’s shoes at shortstop without missing a beat.

The Mets have gone 6-3 since Acuña joined the lineup, which has helped them hold onto their spot in the National League wild-card race.

David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, admitted that they weren’t sure Acuña would perform this well right away, but they knew he wouldn’t let the pressure get to him.

Stearns said, “He believes he can perform in this environment. And, clearly, he has.”

The Trade That Almost Happened: Mets Listened to Offers for Acuña

It’s crazy to think about now, but the Mets almost traded Luisangel Acuña just a couple of months ago.

At the MLB trade deadline in 2023, there were serious discussions about moving Acuña to another team.

According to Jon Heyman, rival teams believed that Acuña was the top prospect the Mets were willing to part with.

The Mets were busy at the deadline as they made moves to bring in players like Paul Blackburn and Jesse Winker.

They even traded away Max Scherzer, the three-time Cy Young Award winner, in a deal that brought Acuña over from the Texas Rangers.

At the time, Acuña wasn’t exactly lighting up the minor leagues. He was hitting just .258 with seven home runs in Triple-A, so it might have seemed like a good time to trade him.

But, thankfully, the Mets didn’t pull the trigger on that trade. With Acuña playing so well in the big leagues, it’s clear they made the right call by keeping him.

With only six games left in the regular season, Acuña has helped the Mets stay in the mix for one of the three NL wild-card spots.

Currently, they’re half a game ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and their fate is in their own hands.

And this week’s series against the Atlanta Braves will be huge. If the Mets win two out of three games, they’ll lock in a playoff spot.

Even winning just one game will keep them in control of their playoff chances until the last weekend.

Acuña’s Role as Lindor Recovers

While Acuña has been shining, Francisco Lindor’s recovery from his back injury is a major concern for the Mets.

Lindor hasn’t played a full game since September 13, and he’s still dealing with pain. He explained that the injury comes and goes, making it hard for him to move when it flares up.

Lindor said, “It can’t be that constant, ‘I can’t move, I can’t move, I can’t move.’”

Even though Lindor is the team’s star, Acuña’s play has made sure the Mets don’t fall apart without him.

The team has gone 6-1 since Lindor was sidelined, and Acuña’s bat and glove have been key reasons for that success.

Still, the Mets know they need Lindor if they want to make a serious postseason run, so his health is a top priority as they approach the playoffs.

The big uncertainty for the Mets is what happens once Lindor is back.

Acuña has earned his spot in the lineup with his strong performances, so it’s unlikely they’ll bench him once Lindor returns.

Mets fans are excited to see what could happen if Lindor and Acuña play together in October.

The thought of having two standout players in the lineup has everyone hopeful for a deep postseason run.

The New York Knicks are facing an early-season setback with the news that starting center Mitchell Robinson could be out for up to two months. Currently, he’s rehabbing from offseason surgery on his left ankle.

This leaves a huge gap in the lineup, especially after losing Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency. 

Because of these losses, the Knicks are exploring options to bring in a new center, and Charlotte Hornets’ Nick Richards is high on their list.

According to reports from The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III, Nick Richards is someone the Knicks have had “on their radar” this offseason. 

Now, with Robinson sidelined, they’re seriously considering a trade to fill that hole in their lineup.

Why Nick Richards Is an Appealing Option for the Knicks

Standing 7 feet tall and weighing 245 pounds, Nick Richards offers the Knicks a strong, physical presence in the paint. 

Last season, he started 51 games for the Hornets, averaging 9.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 69.1% from the field. 

Looking at the stats, Richards is a reliable performer on both ends of the court, so, naturally, he’s an attractive option for the Knicks.

Not only is Richards a capable player, but he also comes with a budget-friendly contract. 

He will earn just $5 million per season over the next two years and won’t become a free agent until 2026. 

Therefore, he’s a great fit for the Knicks, who are trying to keep their finances under control while still adding the talent they need.

Possible Trade: McBride and Bates-Diop for Richards

One floating trade idea suggests the Knicks could send backup point guard Miles McBride and forward Keita Bates-Diop to the Hornets. In return, they would receive Nick Richards and a future second-round pick.

McBride, who earns $4.7 million, would be the main piece in this trade. Although he’s a solid player, the Knicks may be willing to part with him to secure a much-needed center like Richards.

While McBride is valuable, Richards addresses a critical need for the team. 

Adding Bates-Diop to the deal helps balance the salaries. However, some are hesitant because McBride is considered the best player in this trade, and losing him could weaken the team’s backcourt depth. 

Still, with Robinson out, this trade could be the best way for the Knicks to stay competitive early in the season.

Other Trade Targets the Knicks Are Considering

While Nick Richards is a strong candidate, the Knicks are also looking at other possible trade options to fill their center position. 

Detroit Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart and Utah Jazz’s Walker Kessler are also being considered.

Isaiah Stewart Brings Defensive Versatility

Isaiah Stewart, at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, is known for his impressive defensive versatility.

He’s great at switching onto guards and disrupting plays, which could be valuable for the Knicks’ defensive strategy.

Offensively, Stewart also offers a skill the Knicks have been missing: three-point shooting. Last season, he shot 38.3% from beyond the arc. 

So, this would give the Knicks a floor-spacing big man, something they haven’t had in recent years. 

However, acquiring Stewart would be a bigger trade, likely involving Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, and a future first-round pick.

Walker Kessler Offers Elite Shot-Blocking

Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz is another name on the Knicks’ list. He’s a standout shot-blocker and could fill in for Robinson defensively. 

Kessler’s shot-blocking ability would help the Knicks keep their defense strong while Robinson is out.

A trade for Kessler would probably require the Knicks to give up McBride and a future first-round pick. 

While Kessler’s defensive skills are appealing, his lack of offensive polish might make the Knicks hesitate before proceeding with this deal.

Knicks’ Financial Constraints Complicate Trade Decisions

One of the factors complicating any trade for the Knicks is their financial limitations.

As the team cannot take on more salary than they send out, their options are limited. 

With larger contracts held by players like Robinson, Julius Randle, and RJ Barrett, finding the right balance in a trade deal is tough.

Another challenge is Precious Achiuwa, a forward who would be a great trade piece, can only be traded in January due to contract rules. 

Because of this limitation, the Knicks have limited assets to offer, making McBride’s $4.7 million salary the most likely trade chip they have available.

Despite these financial challenges, the Knicks are determined to find the right solution to their center position problem, whether through a trade for Richards, Stewart, or Kessler or by standing pat and relying on their current roster depth.

As the Knicks prepare for the 2024 NBA season opener on October 22 against the Boston Celtics, the clock is ticking for their front office. 

They have to decide whether to trade for help or wait for Robinson to heal. And their moves in the next few weeks will be important for how the team kicks off the season.

In the world of baseball, injuries are inevitable, and even the top players are not immune.

Francisco Lindor, the star shortstop for the New York Mets, has been dealing with back discomfort that recently sidelined him from several games.

After receiving a facet joint injection to manage the pain, Lindor and the Mets hope for a swift recovery and a quick return to the field.

With his recovery timeline still uncertain, fans eagerly await updates on his progress and potential return date.

Will Lindor be ready to lead the team again soon? Let’s find out.

Francisco Lindor’s Back Injury and Recovery

On Friday, Francisco Lindor, the Mets’ star shortstop, made progress in his recovery after receiving a facet joint injection a day earlier.

For context, the procedure involves injecting a mixture of anesthetic and steroids into the spine’s facet joints to reduce pain and inflammation.

Unfortunately, Lindor had been dealing with back discomfort for nearly two weeks, worsening when he awkwardly stepped on second base.

Without the injection, Lindor didn’t feel his recovery was advancing quickly enough.

He explained, “It was always trending in the right direction, but it didn’t feel like I could get back sooner rather than later. And with the injection, they said there was a possibility that that could happen.”

His discomfort became even more noticeable when he left the game early on Sunday, during a 2-1 loss to the Phillies, and then missed the next five games.

While Lindor’s return date remains uncertain, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza mentioned that Lindor’s slow progress had prompted the decision for the facet shot.

According to Mendoza, “After day three, I think I said it’s slowly getting better but not turning the corner. That’s when trainers and the doctors decided to go ahead and do the shot.”

Signs of Improvement After the Facet Shot

Twenty-four hours after the injection, Lindor reported feeling better and engaged in light baseball activities, including playing catch, running, and taking batting practice.

While still unable to estimate his level of improvement, Lindor expressed optimism, saying he was “feeling good.”

He even said that tasks as simple as tying his shoelaces had become easier, signaling that the pain was beginning to subside.

However, Lindor admitted that recovery timelines could vary. From what he gathered, he had heard mixed reports from others who received similar treatments, with some feeling relief within two to three days while others experienced improvement after a week.

He stated, “[I’m] not worried, but antsy,” expressing eagerness to return to the field.

Even while recovering, Lindor has remained engaged with the team despite being on the sidelines, even joking that he has “a whistle in the dugout” to stay involved.

Potential Return Timeline: When Will Lindor Be Back?

Although there is no definite timeline for Lindor’s return, Carlos Mendoza suggested that once Lindor resumes full baseball activities, he could be ready to play as soon as the following day.

The earliest potential return could be Tuesday, during the Mets’ series opener against the Atlanta Braves.

Mendoza clarified that when Lindor is ready to return, it will be as the team’s shortstop, not as a designated hitter (DH). “I think we’re looking at him being a full player for us,” Mendoza said. “When he’s ready to go, he’s playing shortstop for us.”

Before his injury, Lindor had been performing impressively, hitting .271 with 31 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases.

Early on, though, his season started slow. Through May 20, he was batting just .193 with seven home runs and 22 RBIs.

However, Lindor had a remarkable resurgence, batting .307 with 24 home runs and 64 RBIs over his last 101 games before the injury.

Evidently, his contributions are invaluable to the Mets, and the team eagerly awaits his return.

What Lies Ahead for Lindor and the Mets

Lindor’s recovery from his back injury remains a work in progress, but the signs are promising. Thankfully, his facet shot seems to be helping, and his gradual return to baseball activities is encouraging.

Mets fans and management are hopeful for a quick recovery and for Lindor to return to his role as shortstop, a position he has excelled all season.

As he awaits his return, Lindor remains confident in his team, expressing belief in the Mets’ ability to win despite his absence. “The guys have scored a lot of runs in the past four games. They have played extremely well. I believe in what we have,” he said.

While his return timeline is still uncertain, it’s clear that Lindor and the Mets are doing everything possible to get him back on the field soon.