White Sox Give Luisangel Acuna Long Shot After Dealing Away Luis Robert Jr.
The Chicago White Sox have traded center fielder Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets in a move that appears to give 23-year-old outfielder Luisangel Acuna a long shot at showcasing his talent. The deal, which also sent right-hander Truman Pauley to the Mets, has been hailed by General Manager Chris Getz as an opportunity for the Sox to acquire a valuable asset.
Getz praised Acuna's defense and baserunning skills, stating that he is "valuable" to any team. However, it was clear that the Sox were motivated by more than just his defensive prowess. The trade was also seen as a way for the Sox to finally close the chapter on their previous rebuild, which had been marked by disappointment.
Acuna's departure from the Mets has provided him with a fresh start, and Getz acknowledged that the organization is "betting" on the outfielder's ability to improve his offensive skills. Acuna himself expressed excitement about the opportunity to grow as a player in Chicago, stating that he wants to help the team in whatever capacity they need him.
The Sox are now without a marquee center fielder, but Getz pointed out that they have some wiggle room in their budget due to Robert's $20 million contract being absorbed by the Mets. This flexibility could be used to add free agents, although the options available at this point in the offseason appear limited.
For his part, Acuna is eager to put in work and test new skills, having worked on lifting the ball in the air during his time with the Mets. Getz noted that while it's not always easy for players to translate their progress from the minor leagues or Winter League to the big leagues, he believes that Acuna has made good strides.
Ultimately, the trade of Robert Jr. and the acquisition of Acuna have been seen as a calculated move by the Sox to build towards a future where they can contend for the postseason. Getz is optimistic about the potential of his new outfielder, stating that if he can increase Acuna's offensive skills, he could be a player who can "get two wins" of WAR or more.
As it stands, the White Sox are committing to giving Acuna a long shot at success, and it remains to be seen how the young outfielder will fare in his new role.
The Chicago White Sox have traded center fielder Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets in a move that appears to give 23-year-old outfielder Luisangel Acuna a long shot at showcasing his talent. The deal, which also sent right-hander Truman Pauley to the Mets, has been hailed by General Manager Chris Getz as an opportunity for the Sox to acquire a valuable asset.
Getz praised Acuna's defense and baserunning skills, stating that he is "valuable" to any team. However, it was clear that the Sox were motivated by more than just his defensive prowess. The trade was also seen as a way for the Sox to finally close the chapter on their previous rebuild, which had been marked by disappointment.
Acuna's departure from the Mets has provided him with a fresh start, and Getz acknowledged that the organization is "betting" on the outfielder's ability to improve his offensive skills. Acuna himself expressed excitement about the opportunity to grow as a player in Chicago, stating that he wants to help the team in whatever capacity they need him.
The Sox are now without a marquee center fielder, but Getz pointed out that they have some wiggle room in their budget due to Robert's $20 million contract being absorbed by the Mets. This flexibility could be used to add free agents, although the options available at this point in the offseason appear limited.
For his part, Acuna is eager to put in work and test new skills, having worked on lifting the ball in the air during his time with the Mets. Getz noted that while it's not always easy for players to translate their progress from the minor leagues or Winter League to the big leagues, he believes that Acuna has made good strides.
Ultimately, the trade of Robert Jr. and the acquisition of Acuna have been seen as a calculated move by the Sox to build towards a future where they can contend for the postseason. Getz is optimistic about the potential of his new outfielder, stating that if he can increase Acuna's offensive skills, he could be a player who can "get two wins" of WAR or more.
As it stands, the White Sox are committing to giving Acuna a long shot at success, and it remains to be seen how the young outfielder will fare in his new role.
, I think this trade is crazy! The Sox are taking a huge risk on Acuna, but you gotta love their optimism. I mean, who wouldn't want to give a 23-yr-old with potential a chance to shine? It's like they're saying, "Hey, we've got nothing to lose!" 
And Getz is all about it, thinking that Acuna can be the guy who gets them two wins of WAR or more. That's some bold talk 
! I'm not sure what to make of this one yet, but I'm definitely watching with bated breath 
i mean, robert was a marquee player for them and now they're expecting acuna to fill that void? it's a big ask. acuna's got some skills but he's still a ways off from being an elite player like robert. the sox are basically giving him a long shot at success just 'cause they need a change... 
i'm not sure if it's gonna work out, but it'll be interesting to see how it all plays out! 
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... And yeah, it's not like they're giving him a free pass or anything, Getz is still keeping things real about the challenges of making the jump to the big leagues. I'm curious to see how this plays out and if Acuna can live up to all the hype 
. Don't get me wrong, the kid's got skills, but come on, it's a long shot 
. I mean, have they seen his stats in the minors? It's like they're trying to prove a point or something 
. And what's with all this 'betting' on him improving his offense 
? That's just lazy GM-ing if you ask me 
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