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Mets Promote High-School Pick Ewing to Outfield

5/12/2026

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Summary

Ewing Outfield Promotion

The New York Mets promoted Ohio high-school infielder Ewing, a 2023 fourth-round pick obtained after Jacob deGrom left in free agency, to the outfield.
Since moving, Ewing has earned strong defensive reviews, with sharper instincts, jumps and closing speed that could make him a plus defender.
The Mets’ center fielders are –2 Outs Above Average in 2026, tied for 26th-best in the majors.

Summary

Ewing Promoted

The Mets promoted shortstop J.J. Ewing to the 40-man roster.
Ewing’s promotion comes as the offense ranks 29th in batting average and 30th in wRC+.
The club sits 15-25, eight games behind the NL wild-card after roughly a quarter of the season.
To add Ewing, the Mets will likely designate Andy Ibáñez, Austin Slater or Vidal Bruján for assignment, a move David Stearns said fits the club’s fast-track youth strategy.

History

Historical Context

When the Mets called up third-base prospect David Wright in July 2004, his breakout 2006 season (.311 average, 26 homers, 116 RBIs) helped New York win the NL East and reach the NLCS. The 2026 promotion of infielder J.J. Ewing by GM David Stearns revives that youth-first formula, aiming to repeat the mid-2000s resurgence.

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Ewing Outfield Promotion

The New York Mets promoted Ohio high-school infielder Ewing, a 2023 fourth-round pick obtained after Jacob deGrom left in free agency, to the outfield.
Since moving, Ewing has earned strong defensive reviews, with sharper instincts, jumps and closing speed that could make him a plus defender.
The Mets’ center fielders are –2 Outs Above Average in 2026, tied for 26th-best in the majors.

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