Ever since Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. — currently injured with a torn ACL — broke into the big leagues back in 2018, he’s been a nightmare matchup for Mets pitching. So, that might have inspired the Mets’ brilliant strategy of battling the Braves’ Acuña with an Acuña of their own.
We’re only a few games into Luisangel Acuña’s MLB career, but the early returns have been phenomenal for New York. And it’s obvious where the younger brother of the Braves star found his inspiration.
Luisangel — who was acquired in last season’s deadline deal that sent Max Scherzer to Texas — hit is first MLB home run on Tuesday in the Mets’ 10-1 win over the Nationals. And really, you can’t blame Mets fans for having flashbacks when watching Luisangel swing the bat.
Luisangel Acuña’s first home run swing in the big leagues looked familiar 👀 pic.twitter.com/ROMko6myps
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) September 18, 2024
that swing has tormented me the second ronnie has been a brave it’s so nice to have it be on our side pic.twitter.com/yqVK0Iaa6j
— dianna (@runwildkian) September 18, 2024
I mean, that’s a mirror image. They even have similar home run trots.
While Luisangel lacks the raw power that Ronald showed in the minors — especially given his smaller stature — he certainly has the potential to be a foundational piece for the Mets. Going up against his brother will only make that NL East rivalry even more exciting.
No wonder Mets fans were pumped after seeing the side-by-side video of Luisangel’s and Ronald’s swing.
This was how Twitter/X reacted
It is really crazy how similar their swing is https://t.co/lsHKbj77lF
— Kristin (@kristinbroadway) September 18, 2024
Isn’t it fascinating how these similar mechanics can happen within a family?
Reminds me of @PitchingNinja’s overlay of the Diaz brothers throwing motions being almost identical, now this.
I guess it could be due to spending so much time together, same coaches etc
Really cool https://t.co/5qdtDBwTjy
— These Mets // LINDOR MVP (@LoveTheseMets) September 18, 2024
This is why the internet was created. https://t.co/PkQCAx4DOJ
— jpkmets #LGM (@jpkmets) September 18, 2024
Hopefully this beautiful swing stops giving us Mets fans nightmares now that we have one in blue and orange https://t.co/xaldVhUfup
— Eggy (Kris) #ExtendPete (@Eggys_Cards) September 18, 2024
That’s fantastic to see side by side https://t.co/KuSEuRNIUR
— DFA Andy Martino ⚾️ (@DeschWins) September 18, 2024
This is uncanny! Maybe the Mets stole an Acuña after all!? https://t.co/Us2HrQctOu
— TL Mike (@TwinLenses) September 18, 2024
This is actually WILD https://t.co/aBNWRCwfoV
— 💕Team Mariah May💕NEW AEW WOMEN’S CHAMPION💕 (@Ghostless) September 18, 2024
This is so awesome https://t.co/2cZBPFHqRR
— Kris Pursiainen (@krispursiainen) September 18, 2024