Bryan Acuña: A Rising Twin Looking to Follow Family Footsteps

[Cody Christie]

Ronald Acuña has won an MVP, and Luisangel Acuña is helping the Mets in the 2024 playoffs. The Twins hope Bryan Acuña can follow in his brothers’ footsteps to find big-league success. 

 

Image courtesy of William Parmeter (Photo of Bryan Acuña)

The Acuña family name carries weight in the world of baseball. Ronald Acuña Jr. is already a household name, an MVP winner, and one of the game’s most electrifying players. His younger brother, Luisangel, made his mark as a rookie in 2024, helping the Mets in their playoff push. Now, Bryan Acuña, the youngest of the trio, is on his own path in the Minnesota Twins organization, aiming to carve out his legacy.

While the surname opens eyes, it doesn’t guarantee success. Bryan Acuña has shown flashes of the talent that runs in the family, but there are clear steps he needs to take if he’s going to become the next big Acuña in the majors. The younger Acuña brother is just 19 years old, and expectations can be both a blessing and a curse. When your brother is one of the most dynamic players in baseball, and another is quickly rising, comparisons are inevitable. Fortunately, Bryan has embraced the challenge, showing an eagerness to forge his own path while drawing inspiration from his brothers.

In his time in the lower minors, Acuña has demonstrated solid plate discipline and an impressive ability to make contact. The Twins had him play in the FCL for the second year, and he raised his OPS from .553 in 2023 to .735 this season. He’s not yet a power threat like Ronald since he only had one professional home run. That’s one of the most significant question marks surrounding his development—can he grow into his power and add more offensive punch? As scouts have noted, his frame and swing mechanics suggest untapped power potential, but it will take time for him to reach that level.

Defensively, Acuña has moved around the infield, including playing shortstop, second base, third base, and left field. Defensive flexibility is key for any infielder to crack the big-league roster, but it might be a little concerning that he is already being moved off of shortstop. In 2024, he was charged with eight errors in 69 chances, double his total from 2023 at shortstop. While a defensive home is essential, it’s at the plate where Bryan will need to continue to prove himself.

He doesn’t have Ronald's blazing speed or the same explosive swing, but he’s a smart baserunner with a knack for putting the ball in play. He’s shown a patient approach (.423 OBP in 2024), something the Twins have emphasized at every level of their system. As he progresses, Bryan must continue refining that approach, ensuring he doesn’t become overly passive and miss opportunities to drive the ball.

Areas to Improve
If Bryan Acuña is to follow in his brothers’ footsteps and make an impact at the major league level, there are a few key areas he’ll need to improve:

Power Development: The most significant area where Bryan needs to make strides is in adding power to his game. He’s shown good contact skills, but as he continues to mature physically, the Twins hope to see him drive the ball with more authority. During his professional debut, he combined for 12 doubles in 43 games. Over the last two seasons, he has been limited to nine extra-base hits in 77 games. 

Consistency at the Plate: While he’s shown a disciplined approach, Acuña must show he can handle more advanced pitching as he climbs the ranks. In his first season stateside, he struggled with the transition to the FCL. In 40 games, he hit .185/.327/.227 (.553) with three extra-base hits and a 39-to-25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His batting average rose by 70 points this season while getting on base over 42% of the time. Making adjustments at each level will be critical in determining whether he can translate his success to the majors.

Defensive Versatility: While Bryan has played both shortstop and second base, becoming a versatile defender could increase his value to the Twins. He was error-prone at shortstop and third base this season. The Twins will likely want him to continue to work at up-the-middle defensive positions before relegating him to left field or another less demanding spot. With other middle infield prospects in the system, flexibility will be vital in carving out a spot on the roster.

The Twins have been patient with Acuña’s development, recognizing that he doesn’t need to be Ronald or Luisangel. His journey will be different, and he has time on his side to become the player he’s capable of being. The tools are there, and if he can take the next steps, especially in the power department, there’s a chance he could make a name for himself.

As Acuña moves up the organizational ladder, he’ll undoubtedly continue to draw comparisons to his brothers. But the real story will be how he can create his own identity. If he can stay on course, Twins fans might one day see the Acuña name lighting up scoreboards at Target Field.

What does the younger Acuña brother need to prove in the minors? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

View full article

[LambchoP]

I wonder if the Twins ' obsession with positional flexibility actually ends up hurting some players development. Instead of letting them learn one or two positions and then get better at them, they have these young guys trying to learn five different positions. I've got to believe it makes it a lot harder on these kids to focus on their hitting, when they have to learn a million different positions instead of getting the consistency of the same one or two positions every day.

[tony&rodney]

48 minutes ago, LambchoP said:

I wonder if the Twins ' obsession with positional flexibility actually ends up hurting some players development. Instead of letting them learn one or two positions and then get better at them, they have these young guys trying to learn five different positions. I've got to believe it makes it a lot harder on these kids to focus on their hitting, when they have to learn a million different positions instead of getting the consistency of the same one or two positions every day.

This seems like a legitimate point. TheTwins had both Austin Martin and Royce Lewis play shortstop when an objective viewpoint indicated that neither had the skills to play the position at the highest level but both had bats to play somewhere else.

Perhaps Acuna should be schooled at second base. I have never seen him play, so have no real opinion on him specifically.

[bean5302]

51 minutes ago, LambchoP said:

I wonder if the Twins ' obsession with positional flexibility actually ends up hurting some players development. Instead of letting them learn one or two positions and then get better at them, they have these young guys trying to learn five different positions. I've got to believe it makes it a lot harder on these kids to focus on their hitting, when they have to learn a million different positions instead of getting the consistency of the same one or two positions every day.

I think it results in players who never get comfortable in the field. Instead of plays being reflexive, every play requires thought. 

Word is the Twins are going to have Acuna practice soccer and tennis more so he'll be better able to kick baseballs or at least bat them down with his glove... that is when he's not practicing his throws to always miss a 10 foot wide target setup over 1B. Also, they've ordered him to gain weight to increase his HR power and sloooooww down that run speed so he doesn't embarrass the rest of the team.

[gman]

I just hope we got the best Acuna.

[Doctor Gast]

7 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

This seems like a legitimate point. TheTwins had both Austin Martin and Royce Lewis play shortstop when an objective viewpoint indicated that neither had the skills to play the position at the highest level but both had bats to play somewhere else.

Perhaps Acuna should be schooled at second base. I have never seen him play, so have no real opinion on him specifically.

Bryan was on my mind too, when I saw what his next brother was doing in the postseason. Hope the Twins learned from Martin's wasted years & try him out in LF as soon as possible. IMO Bryan's day is coming if they don't force him to hit HRs. Get him to be a good hitter then let him naturally develop his power.

[Fatbat]

If his power isnt like Ronalds, who cares. Develop him the way its best for him.  Maybe he is more of a contact guy and gets to 2B by stealing it.  Its not like the twins have a need for a .340 hitter that steals 50 bases every year. Oh wait. They do need that. 

[Doctor Wu]

19 hours ago, gman said:

I just hope we got the best Acuna.

Man, I'll settle for second best, and with fewer injuries. 

[LambchoP]

On 10/21/2024 at 8:13 AM, bean5302 said:

I think it results in players who never get comfortable in the field. Instead of plays being reflexive, every play requires thought. 

Word is the Twins are going to have Acuna practice soccer and tennis more so he'll be better able to kick baseballs or at least bat them down with his glove... that is when he's not practicing his throws to always miss a 10 foot wide target setup over 1B. Also, they've ordered him to gain weight to increase his HR power and sloooooww down that run speed so he doesn't embarrass the rest of the team.

Sounds like the Twins coaches lol ...

[Mike Sixel]

He's 18/19....maybe they don't know his position yet, since he's basically a HS kid. If it is clear he's not a SS, I hope they move him sooner rather than later, but it's way too early to rip them for this.

[bean5302]

On 10/21/2024 at 11:28 AM, gman said:

I just hope we got the best Acuna.

I'd be happy with an every day regular player. A perennial MVP would be nice, but seems a bit greedy, haha

[twinstalker]

There'd be some real hope if his slightly older brother could hit at all.  As is, he's starting out even worse.