Mets Turn to AJ Ewing Amid Struggles
Falling into a tough season, the Mets are bringing in AJ Ewing in hopes of turning things around as they kick off a homestand. They currently hold the worst record in Major League Baseball, which is, well, not great at all.
This decision, reported by The Athletic, marks Ewing’s major league debut against the Tigers at Citi Field, even though he has only played 12 games in Triple-A so far.
Interestingly, this comes shortly after another promising prospect, Carson Benge, had a shaky start but is beginning to find his rhythm at the plate.
Ewing, just 21, is likely to encounter some hurdles as he adjusts to the big leagues.
His real awakening happened last season, but spring training really opened his eyes to the challenges ahead.
He began his journey with Low-A St. Lucie a little over a year ago, moving quickly through the minor league system to Double-A Binghamton by season’s end. This year, even after just 18 games at Double-A, he was bumped up to Triple-A Syracuse, continuing to show promise.
Having played various positions, Ewing has mostly been an outfielder this season and is recognized for his excellent defensive skills.
With the Mets sitting at the bottom of the National League, there’s pressure to salvage what’s left of the season. Ewing is stepping into a lineup that has been struggling significantly with batting.
When discussing his season goals, Ewing mentioned, “To conquer the level I’m at.” But just two months later, it’s hard to imagine that anyone would foresee the Mets sinking to the bottom of the standings, basically unable to score runs.
Coach Carlos Mendoza didn’t initially expect Ewing to become an impact player this early, but he’s certainly caught his eye. The 5-foot-10 2023 fourth-round pick from Springboro, Ohio, has shown that he can contribute in multiple ways—be it through defense, base running, or hitting.
At the very least, Ewing might bring some excitement to a team that’s been pretty dull lately.
Last season, he swiped 70 bases across three levels and posted a solid 1.053 OPS in 18 games for Binghamton. This season, he’s also done well with an .827 OPS at Syracuse.
Ewing, alongside Ryan Clifford and Nick Morabito, is part of a wave of fresh talent this season. Clifford has been impactful, playing both infield and outfield positions, while Morabito, like Ewing, continues to impress at Syracuse.
Still, scouts advise caution when it comes to expectations for Ewing or any other recent call-ups. They’ve shown potential, but it’s crucial they gain more experience before making a larger impact.
Given the Mets’ hefty payroll and disappointing performance, they’re choosing to pin their hopes on Ewing’s potential as they navigate this challenging season.
