Rookie A.J. Ewing adjusting well to Mets and major leagues

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Rookie outfielder A.J. Ewing has become a key player for the New York Mets since his promotion in May, demonstrating strong offensive and defensive skills while stepping up amid injuries to other outfielders. His emergence provides the Mets with a promising young talent as they continue to navigate a challenging season and await the return of key players like Francisco Lindor.

CINCINNATI — Rookie outfielder A.J. Ewing is steadily establishing himself as a key contributor for the New York Mets following his promotion from Triple-A Syracuse on May 12. The 21-year-old native of Springboro, Ohio, faced his hometown crowd for the first time this week as the Mets played at Great American Ball Park against the Cincinnati Reds.

Ewing described his return to the Cincinnati area as “weird,” noting that although he attended Reds games growing up, he never considered himself a die-hard fan. Instead, he recalled watching notable Reds moments, including Homer Bailey’s no-hitter when he was eight years old. This series also provided an opportunity for a “few dozen” friends and family members to see Ewing perform on a major league stage.

Since joining the Mets, Ewing has showcased impressive defensive skills and baserunning, but his offensive development has recently drawn significant attention. Entering Tuesday’s game against the Reds, Ewing posted a .289/.340/.444 slash line in June, boosting his OPS to .706. Although he went 0-for-4 in that contest, he had recorded a strong offensive performance the previous Sunday, hitting a home run and collecting three hits in the Mets’ series-clinching victory over the Atlanta Braves. Over his last 12 games leading into Tuesday, Ewing’s OPS stood at an impressive .858.

Mets outfielder Juan Soto praised Ewing’s approach at the plate, highlighting his ability to battle pitchers and work deep counts. “He takes really good at-bats. Most of the time he’s in 3-2 counts, he’s battling and he’s making pitchers sweat, that is all we can ask for,” Soto said.

Ewing’s emergence comes amid the Mets adjusting to the loss of Luis Robert Jr., who was placed on the injured list due to a lumbar spine disc herniation. The Mets have turned to Ewing and fellow rookie Carson Benge to fill out their outfield. Reflecting on his rapid rise, Ewing acknowledged the unexpected nature of his role. “I honestly have no idea what I would have thought,” he said when asked whether he foresaw regular playing time during spring training. “I did think I was going to make an impact this year, but I was just blessed with opportunity, and I am taking it in.”

The Mets currently hold a 32-41 record, sitting last in the National League East. Manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized Ewing’s value to the team, praising his strong strike zone discipline, ability to put the ball in play, and capacity to make in-game adjustments.

The Mets’ injury update includes Francisco Lindor, who continues to work through simulated games as he rehabilitates a left calf strain. The shortstop is expected to return during the team’s next homestand.