Mets Manager Talks Plan for Top Prospect A.J. Ewing
The New York Mets are turning to No. 2 ranked prospect A.J. Ewing to spark some life into their struggling lineup.
Starting the season on a tear in Double-A, Ewing played in only 12 games for Triple-A Syracuse before the organization decided yesterday it was time to give him the promotion to the big-league club. Slashing .326/.392/.435 with five stolen bases in Triple-A and .349/.481/.571 across 18 games at Double-A, it's hard to argue that Ewing didn't earn the opportunity.
However, the 15-25 Mets have taken some flak for the decision, with some arguing the move shows signs of desperation. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal suggested on Tuesday that they are putting too much pressure on their young player by rushing him to the majors.
"They're asking A.J. Ewing to inject them with some energy at a time when they are absolutely struggling, and it is a lot to ask," Rosenthal said on the Foul Territory Podcast. "I would say it's pretty darn near an act of desperation."
It's a lot to ask A.J. Ewing to inject some energy at a time in which the Mets are struggling, says @Ken_Rosenthal.
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) May 12, 2026
"I'd say it's pretty darn near an act of desperation." pic.twitter.com/8nnkZARose
Ewing, who will play center field and bat eighth in his MLB debut on Tuesday night at Citi Field against the visiting Detroit Tigers, called it a surprise and a "dream come true" to get the call-up to the Mets.
But for the decision-makers, it was something they had their eye on for some time. Ewing caught the eyes of his teammates early on in spring training according to manager Carlos Mendoza, who said that veteran players approached him to ask, "Who is this guy?" and "Where is he going to be at [this season]?"
"There was a lot to like from the very beginning of spring training, watching him play"
— SNY (@SNYtv) May 12, 2026
Carlos Mendoza talks about what he took away from managing A.J. Ewing this year in spring training: pic.twitter.com/P7Ml62XlU8
Ahead of the game, Mendoza took some time to talk about what went into the decision to promote Ewing and how they plan to use him moving forward.
"Even though he's only 21, he's pretty mature and he's super consistent," Mendoza said.
Ewing's incredible rise has largely been attributed to swinging a great bat, but he also provides value in his strong defensive versatility, making starts at all three outfield spots and second base this season in the minors. In the majors, it appears the Mets will just use the lefty-swinging prospect in the outfield.
"As of right now, the plan is to just keep him in the outfield, center field particularly." Mendoza told reporters on Tuesday. "We're going to let him get settled here."
When asked if platooning Ewing with a right-handed bat like Tyrone Taylor will be a part of his acclimation process, Mendoza was straight-forward in saying, "He's going to play. He's here to play."
Carlos Mendoza was asked if A.J. Ewing will play every day or platoon with Tyrone Taylor depending on lefty/righty starting pitching matchups:
— SNY (@SNYtv) May 12, 2026
"He's going to play. He's here to play." pic.twitter.com/waHDWrJNzj
Mendoza and the Mets' confidence in their young outfielder is clear, but the concerns that Ewing will face pressure to be a savior for the season will remain as he carves out a role on the club. But the decision signals a much-needed shift toward the future in Queens as they will have 21-year-old Ewing and 23-year-old Carson Benge in the outfield alongside Juan Soto.
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This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 5:06 PM.