Left fielder A.J. Ewing is the top position-player prospect remaining in the Mets’ minor-league system.
Desperate to jump-start a stagnant season, the New York Mets plan to promote top prospect A.J. Ewing ahead of Tuesday’s game, according to league sources.
The move is considered aggressive, but the Mets needed a bold shake-up. Several key injuries have left the lineup thin, with too many inexperienced replacements filling roster spots. Meanwhile, Ewing has continued to impress with his performance.
With Carson Benge already in the majors, Ewing—who hits from the left side—is now the club’s best position-player prospect in the minors. He has appeared in just 12 Triple-A games, batting .326. Earlier this season at Double-A, he posted a 1.052 OPS while playing strong defense in center field.
Selected in the fourth round by New York, Ewing ranks as the No. 4 prospect in the Mets system per Keith Law of The Athletic, and No. 98 on Law’s Top 100 list.
The 21-year-old is known for his speed and contact skills. This season, scouts say he has shown elite-level defense in center field and is tapping into more power. Though Ewing is not on the Mets’ 40-man roster, team insiders believe his plus defense and base running could provide an immediate energy lift.
The Mets (15-25) hold the worst record in MLB. Shortstop Francisco Lindor, designated hitter/first baseman Jorge Polanco, and center fielder Luis Robert Jr. are all on the injured list with no clear return timelines. The offense ranks last in several categories, including OPS and wRC+.
In the outfield, the Mets could deploy Ewing and Benge in center and right, with Juan Soto shifting to left or serving as designated hitter. Other outfield options include MJ Melendez, Tyrone Taylor, and Austin Slater.
With Lindor out and Ewing joining the mix, Brett Baty could see more time at third base (his natural spot), while Bo Bichette handles some shortstop duties. Ewing can also play second base and the corner outfield positions, though he has excelled in center.
Last season, Ewing experienced a breakout, slashing .315/.401/.429 across 564 plate appearances over three levels. Despite only 28 games at Double-A in 2024, the Mets invited him to major-league spring training, viewing him as a viable option—though they likely did not anticipate needing him this early.