The New York Mets, boasting the highest payroll in Major League Baseball, find themselves in a stunningly rough patch—and they're turning to a minor-league spark to try and reignite their season. Outfielder A.J. Ewing, the team's No. 2 prospect per MLB Pipeline, is set to make his MLB debut Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers after just 12 games at the Class AAA level, according to multiple reports.
At just 21 years old, Ewing was a fourth-round draft pick in 2024 and has been tearing through the minors with eye-popping numbers. He started the 2026 season at Class AA Binghamton, slashing .349/.481/.571 over 18 games. That hot streak earned him a quick promotion to Triple-A Syracuse in late April, and now—after only a handful of games there—he's getting the call to the big leagues. He'll join fellow rookie Carson Benge in a Mets outfield desperate for a jolt.
The timing couldn't be more critical. Despite sky-high expectations, the Mets have stumbled to a major league-worst 15-25 record through May 11—their worst start since 1993. A brutal nine-game road trip against the Angels, Rockies, and Diamondbacks exposed the team's offensive struggles, with the lineup hitting a collective .209 and averaging just 3.6 runs per game. To make matters worse, star hitters Juan Soto and Bo Bichette went a combined 0-for-20 over the final three games in Arizona.
Injuries have only compounded the frustration. Shortstop Francisco Lindor, center fielder Luis Robert, first baseman Jorge Polanco, and pitcher Kodai Senga are all on the injured list, leaving the Mets thin on both sides of the ball. For a team that spent big in the offseason, the current reality is a bitter pill—but Ewing's arrival offers a glimmer of hope. With his speed and contact skills, he could provide the spark this lineup sorely needs.