In a search for offensive answers, the New York Mets are calling up a top 100 prospect to the MLB. One of the more exciting young prospects in the organization, A.J. Ewing, at just 21, is being promoted to the big leagues. The Athletic’s Will Sammon was first to report on Monday night. The Mets have not yet announced the move.
Report: Mets to Call Up Top Prospect A.J. Ewing
Drafted in the fourth round (134th overall) in the 2023 MLB Draft out of Springboro High School, Ewing quickly shot up the Mets’ prospect list. Heading into 2026, Ewing was ranked as the No.2-ranked prospect in the Mets system and is ranked as the 78th-best prospect in the MLB, according to MLB Pipeline.
Standing at 5’10″and 160 pounds, Ewing’s main skill set centers on his ability to make consistent contact with the bat and deliver elite speed. Case in point, Ewing stole 70, yes, 70 bases in 2025 and is already up to 17 this season. In ’25, the left-handed hitter hit an impressive .315/.401/.429, with 39 extra base-hits, including 10 triples, 55 RBIs, and a .830 OPS in 124 games across three minor league levels, reaching as high as Double-A Binghamton.
After an impressive spring training, which caught the Mets’ attention, Ewing broke camp back in Double-A. Lo and behold, he continued his hot hitting right where he left off, producing a 1.052 OPS with the Rumble Ponies in 18 games. Ewing was promoted to Triple-A Syracuse on April 27. Oftentimes, young players struggle at higher levels from the start, but Ewing did anything but.
12 games later and Ewing is hitting .326 (15-for-46), with three doubles and a triple, along with a .827 OPS. “How’s his defense?” you may ask. Well, as a draftee out of high school, Ewing was always viewed as a defensive-first player. The 21-year-old can play all three outfield positions, with center being his most versatile, and can play second as well. Since his promotion to Syracuse, Ewing has made a bevy of sprawling diving catches in center and has enjoyed most of his defensive work in the middle outfield position and second.
With the Mets, Ewing would likely see most of the field at center, with Marcus Semien serving as the everyday second baseman. But defense isn’t New York’s issue — it’s offense.
The Mets sit last in almost every key offensive stat as of Monday, including runs scored. It’s a rather desperate and aggressive move calling up a 21-year-old, especially at this time of year, but the Mets are desperate. The Mets come home after a 5-4 West Coast road trip that they themselves will tell you they are not happy with. With the worst record in baseball at 15-25, the Mets hope Ewing can provide a spark of offense. They are hoping his energy can carry over and inject the entire roster with it.
It is unclear what the corresponding move will be once the transaction is complete. Still, the likeliest option to be designated for assignment includes Andy Ibáñez, who has gone 0-for-8 since being acquired from the Athletics and has committed two errors in just three games. Another option is outfielder Austin Slater, who was signed in April.
Whether Ewing can immediately fix the Mets’ offensive problems remains to be seen, but New York is clearly searching for any possible spark as its season continues to spiral.
Main Photo Credits: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
