When the Chicago White Sox traded Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets, the reaction from many fans was skeptical.
Mar 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox outfielder Luisangel Acuna against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The deal brought back infielder/outfielder Luisangel Acuña and right-handed pitcher Truman Pauley, but Acuña’s 63 OPS+ during the 2025 season left many wondering if the move was simply a salary-clearing decision rather than a baseball upgrade.
Now, after several weeks of Cactus League action, Acuña is beginning to change that perception.
Strong start in spring training
Entering a recent game against the Oakland Athletics, Acuña had been one of the hottest hitters in camp.
His early spring numbers include:
- .412 batting average
- 1.121 OPS
- 1 home run
- 2 stolen bases
Beyond the traditional statistics, the underlying metrics have been even more impressive.
According to tracking data, Acuña currently holds:
- 97.3 mph average exit velocity (97th percentile)
- 71.4% hard-hit rate (97th percentile)
Those numbers represent a dramatic jump from last season, when he ranked in just the 11th percentile in exit velocity and 26th percentile in hard-hit percentage.
Clear changes in his approach
One of Acuña’s biggest offensive struggles in 2025 was his inability to consistently pull the ball in the air.
Last season he pulled fly balls in just 2.8% of his plate appearances, severely limiting his ability to generate extra-base power.
So far this spring, that number has jumped to 21.4%, an improvement of nearly 20 percentage points.
The shift appears to be tied to offseason adjustments and mechanical changes made with help from the White Sox hitting staff, along with additional work during the Venezuelan Winter League.
Versatility adds value
Another reason the White Sox remain optimistic about Acuña is his defensive flexibility.
During spring training he has already appeared at:
- Center field
- Second base
- Shortstop
That versatility gives the coaching staff several ways to use him throughout the lineup and across the field.
Potential top-of-the-order role
Reports suggest the White Sox see Acuña as a potential top-of-the-order hitter.
The team reportedly expects him to receive around 500 at-bats this season, giving him plenty of opportunity to establish himself as a regular contributor.
While he may never replicate the middle-of-the-order power production that Luis Robert Jr. once provided at his peak, Acuña offers a different skill set built around:
- Speed
- defensive versatility
- contact ability
Part of a young outfield core
The White Sox are building around several young outfielders with upside.
Alongside Acuña, the team is evaluating players such as:
- Everson Pereira
- Jarred Kelenic
Meanwhile, top outfield prospect Braden Montgomery could also factor into the major-league picture at some point during the season.
Still early, but encouraging
It’s important to remember that spring training samples are small, and success in March does not always translate into regular-season production.
Still, the early signs from Acuña are encouraging.
If his improved contact quality and swing adjustments carry into the season, the White Sox may find that the return from the Luis Robert Jr. trade is stronger than many initially believed.
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