Resurgent OF solidifying role with Mets amid historic season
Outfielder DJ Stewart has earned a full-time seat at the table for the 2023 New York Mets and beyond.
The resurgent slugger turned in the best performance of his career Wednesday night as a roaring Citi Field crowd chanted his name — despite not knowing it several months ago.
At the plate, Stewart mashed two home runs to bring his season total up to nine. In the field, the 29-year-old made a game-saving catch, robbing Texas Rangers infielder Marcus Semien of an RBI double and crashing into the right field wall. Then, with the contest on the line and the bases juiced, he was hit by a pitch to force in the winning run in the Mets' 6-5 victory.
Wednesday's one-man show continues a torrid stretch for Stewart that's seen him transform from a forgotten prospect into a valuable piece of the Mets future. Over his last 13 games, the 2015 first-round pick has amassed eight home runs and 15 RBI.
It hasn't been entirely smooth sailing for Stewart, who initially struggled after being called up from Triple-A in July. In his first 24 games with the Mets, he boasted a meager .209/.327/.395 slash line and .722 OPS. After many years playing in the MLB, the veteran knows not to take his recent play for granted.
"I’m playing well right now. Baseball is a tough game. Streaks like this don’t always last,” Stewart said, per SNY. "I'm enjoying it now but I’m not crazy. I know baseball doesn’t always work out this way so I’m enjoying it, keep working and finish strong."
Stewart's revitalized play has risen his season average up to .279, well above his career average of .222. The veteran's astounding 1.015 OPS ranks only behind Shohei Ohtani, Corey Seager and Mookie Betts for the MLB-best, while his .651 slugging percentage over his first 36 games with the Mets ranks fifth-best in franchise history.
Stewart has earned a spot on the 2024 Mets roster, but how big of a role he'll play remains to be seen. For now, the red-hot hitter is enjoying his time in the Big Apple.
"I love New York," Stewart said. "I really enjoy being here. My family enjoys it. I hope I’m doing enough to stay here."
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