As Luis Robert Jr. continues his rehabilitation assignment, the New York Mets are hoping to have the veteran outfielder back in the lineup before the August 3 MLB trade deadline. While Robert’s return would undoubtedly provide another experienced bat, it also presents the club with an intriguing lineup decision as one of the team’s emerging young stars has flourished in his absence.
Rookie A.J. Ewing has taken full advantage of the opportunity created by Robert’s injury, establishing himself as one of the Mets’ brightest contributors in center field. His combination of speed, athleticism and defensive range has made him a valuable everyday player, giving the coaching staff little reason to reduce his playing time once Robert is healthy.
That creates an interesting challenge for New York.
The Mets would undoubtedly like Robert back on the field, not only because of what he can contribute but also because showcasing his health and production could increase his value should the organization decide to move him before the trade deadline. At the same time, limiting Ewing’s role after his impressive performances would be difficult to justify.
Rather than choosing between the two players, the Mets may have an opportunity to keep both in the lineup.
One possible solution would involve shifting Ewing to second base, allowing Robert to reclaim center field while pairing the rookie alongside Francisco Lindor to create a new double-play combination.
Although Ewing has become known for his outstanding work in the outfield, second base is hardly unfamiliar territory. During his minor league career, he appeared in 53 games at the position, including 26 starts in 2024, before the organization gradually transitioned him to center field in an effort to maximize his elite athleticism.
That move has proven successful, as Ewing has quickly developed into one of the Mets’ strongest defensive outfielders, covering significant ground and displaying the instincts needed to thrive in center field.
Still, his previous experience at second base gives the Mets valuable flexibility.
While placing one of the roster’s fastest players in the infield may not maximize his defensive range as effectively as center field does, Ewing’s athleticism would still represent an upgrade at second base and could help stabilize the middle infield alongside Lindor.
The recent injury to veteran Marcus Semien has only increased the likelihood of such an alignment.
Before Semien was sidelined, the Mets consistently kept him in the lineup despite his offensive struggles, leaving little opportunity for anyone else to receive regular playing time at second base. His absence, however, has opened the door for experimentation.
In recent weeks, both Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio have received opportunities at second, but neither has firmly established himself as the long-term solution.
Baty has continued to struggle offensively while offering limited upside defensively, making it increasingly difficult for the Mets to envision him as an everyday option at the position. Mauricio, meanwhile, has yet to consistently adjust to major league pitching, raising additional questions about his immediate future.
Those circumstances make Ewing an increasingly attractive alternative.
His versatility would allow the Mets to field both Robert and one of their hottest young players simultaneously, strengthening both the lineup and the defense while giving the coaching staff additional flexibility as the trade deadline approaches.
July is expected to be a pivotal month for New York as the front office evaluates its roster and prepares for potentially significant deadline decisions. If Robert ultimately becomes a trade candidate, the Mets will still have ample opportunity later in the season to continue evaluating Baty and Mauricio.
For now, however, shifting Ewing into the middle infield alongside Lindor may provide the club with its most balanced lineup while ensuring one of its breakout rookies remains an everyday contributor during a critical stretch of the season.
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