Mets calling up top prospect in attempt to jumpstart lineup

The New York Mets lineup has been a tremendous disappointment to begin the 2026 season. Maybe an infusion of youth will make a difference.

Will Sammon of The Athletic reported that the Mets are set to promote outfield prospect A.J. Ewing to the majors. The hope is that he will inject some life into a lineup that ranks 29th in runs (139) and last in OPS (.628).

A consensus top-100 prospect heading into the 2026 season, Ewing was rated as the Mets second-best prospect per MLB.com. He has been lauded for his ability to consistently make hard contact and double-plus speed. He posted an impressive .339/.447/.514 batting line in his 132 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A, hitting two homers and nine doubles while stealing 17 bases.

A.J. Ewing could be start of youth movement for New York Mets

While Ewing is capable of playing all three outfield positions and second base, he is likely to slot in as the Mets' primary center fielder. Mets center fielders have combined for a .229/.308/.336 batting line with three home runs and six doubles. If Ewing can hit the ground running, he could cement his place as part of the Mets' future core.

Ewing may not be the only prospect on the way. The back of the Mets rotation has been mediocre at best, potentially paving the way for either prospects Jonah Tong or Jack Wenninger to join Christian Scott and Nolan McLean as part of an exciting young rotation. If third base prospect Jacob Reimer can get on track, he could make his debut this season as well.

The New York Mets season is rapidly slipping away. If A.J. Ewing can inject some life into the lineup, the youth movement could potentially begin in earnest.