Rangers Spring Training Preview: Luisangel Acuna

Luisangel Acuna is hunting for a spot on the Major League roster that may not be there for him just yet.

Matthew Postins | Feb 4, 2023

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InsidetheRangers.com previews every player on the Texas Rangers 40-man roster heading into Spring Training in Surprise, Arizona.

IF Luisangel Acuña

In 2022: Acuña started last season season at High Class-A Hickory, though he spent the first month on the injured list. Once he got healthy and was activated on May 5, he earned a promotion to Frisco on Aug. 2, where he helped the RoughRiders win the Texas League title. On Sept. 16, he was assigned to the Arizona Fall League’s Surprise Saguaros. In November, the Rangers elevated him to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule V Draft.

During last season Acuña moved up the Rangers’ Top 30 prospects list at MLB.com, eventually settling in at No. 7.

Entering 2023, Acuña is the No. 71 overall prospect in baseball and should be the Rangers’ No. 4 prospect once the new Top 30 is released.

In 91 minor-league games last season he batted .277/.369/.426/.749 with 66 runs, 16 doubles, two triples, 11 home runs and 47 RBI. He walked 51 times and struck out 96 times.

Acuña’s Career at a Glance: The younger brother of Atlanta outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., Luisangel Acuña made $425,000 upon his signing out of Venezuela in 2018, far more than his brother made ($100,000). Big brother’s rep may have had something to do with that. But in his first full pro season in 2021 the younger Acuña was a significant contributor for the Low Class-A Down East Wood Ducks, rankings third in the entire league in runs (77), hits (110) and steals (44).

In Surprise: He heads to Spring Training as one of those prospects new Rangers manager Bruce Bochy wants to meet. His path to a middle infield spot is blocked by Marcus Semien and Corey Seager. But he has enough tools to work his way into a role in the next year or two as a super-utility player — or tantalizing trade bait. He’ll be in full learning mode in Surprise, but it would take an injury to get him a crack at the Opening Day roster.

2023 Texas Rangers 40-Man Spring Training Previews:

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Published Feb 4, 2023

MATTHEW POSTINS

Matthew Postins is an award-winning sports journalist who covers the Texas Rangers for Fan Nation/SI and also writes about the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies. He also covers the Big 12 for HeartlandCollegeSports.com.