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The New York Mets could be set to call up a highly rated prospect sooner than previously expected. New York has struggled mightily throughout the start of the 2026 season. In fact, they are currently tied for the worst record in Major League Baseball after 37 games.

On paper, the Mets have a very formidable lineup. After all, the club is led by Juan Soto, Bo Bichette, Francisco Lindor, and top prospect Carson Benge. Nevertheless, New York is averaging just 3.62 runs per game on the season. This is currently the second-lowest figure in the league. Injuries, however, have certainly hampered the Queens team. Soto previously missed time with a calf issue, while Luis Robert Jr., Jorge Polanco, and Lindor are all currently out of action.

Because the Mets are underperforming, they are already eying the trade market. Trades this early in the season could be difficult to pull off, though. As a result, it is fairly easier to handle things in-house. Luckily for New York, they have one of the hottest offensive prospects in baseball in their farm system: Outfielder A.J. Ewing.

The Athletic’s Tim Britton was recently asked if the Mets would be willing to call up Ewing during the 2026 season. The move would have been considered fairly far-fetched just a few months ago. Ewing had only played 28 total minor league games above high-A before the start of the current campaign. Britton, however, claims that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if the rising star was promoted ahead of schedule.

New York Mets Cannot Ignore A.J. Ewing’s Rise in the Ranks

GettyCarlos Mendoza could use A.J. Ewing’s hitting ability and speed in New York.

As Britton points out, not only have the New York Mets’ outfielders struggled so far this season, but they have been decimated by injuries. Ewing could seemingly be called on in various ways. Additional setbacks to Robert or Benge may be enough for the 21-year-old prospect to get game time in Queens. The Mets could also call on Ewing if rotational outfielders such as M.J. Melendez and Jared Young do not pull their weight.

Ewing, New York’s number three prospect, is currently raking with AAA Syracuse. After slashing a ridiculous .349/.481/.571 in AA, he was promoted in late April. So far, the versatile outfielder has continued his hot start in 2026 with 12 hits in nine games with Syracuse. Not only can Ewing hit, but he is extremely useful on the bases. The youngster has 16 stolen bases in 27 total games between AA and AAA this season. At the moment, the Mets have just 18 combined stolen bags in 2026.

Ewing Shows New York He Can Handle Left-Handed Pitching

Ewing, however, was not always seen as a top prospect within the New York Mets organization. In fact, the outfielder/second baseman was not even included in the team’s top 30 prospects in 2024. He was then named the club’s 28th-best minor leaguer ahead of the 2025 season. Nevertheless, his significant jump in the rankings came down to him hitting .315 and grabbing 70 stolen bases between A, high-A, and AA last year.

The prospect recently helped Syracuse win on May 7 by hitting a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning. Interestingly enough, the left-handed Ewing picked up the hit against a southpaw pitcher. Mets fans have recently become frustrated with manager Carlos Mendoza’s insistence on benching lefties in these situations.