A.J. Ewing: The Rising Star of the New York Mets
A.J. Ewing, once an under-the-radar prospect, has emerged as a shining star for the New York Mets. At just 21 years old, he's already in the starting lineup, showcasing a remarkable transformation in his approach. Ewing's journey began with a focus on contact and discipline, but his strikeout rate was a concern. However, he's made significant adjustments, resulting in a more impressive profile. With a 12% strikeout rate and a .400 average in Low A, Ewing's above-average speed and plate discipline have become his strengths. His promotion to Double A and subsequent Triple A showcase his continued success, slashing .339/.447/.514 with a 19% BB rate and 16% K rate. Ewing's ability to command at-bats and get quality contact has made him a reliable and consistent bat in the Mets' lineup. While he's currently hitting at the bottom of the lineup, his potential as a leadoff hitter is evident. With a little power added to his game, Ewing's ceiling could reach new heights, making him a valuable asset for the Mets' future.
Zack Littell: The Sliding Slider
Zack Littell, a right-handed pitcher, has faced challenges this season, with a concerning 6.94 ERA through 36.1 IP. His struggles against right-handed hitters are particularly notable, given the platoon advantage. Littell's success in previous seasons relied on his slider, a foundational pitch that generated chase and limited damage. However, this season, hitters have stopped swinging at the slider, leading to a drastic change in results. The increased usage of the sweeper has made at-bats easier to anticipate, allowing hitters to better recognize the spin-away shape. This has resulted in fewer chases and more hard contact, weakening Littell's profile. To regain success, Littell must re-establish his slider as a dominant pitch and re-evaluate his pitch usage to regain the element of surprise.
Alec Bohm: The Disappointing Contact Hitter
Alec Bohm, a contact-first hitter, is struggling this season, with a disappointing .200 average. His performance against fastballs is a major concern, as he's doubled his whiff rate while maintaining an expected batting average below .200. Bohm's inability to drive fastballs is evident, as he's not driving outer-half fastballs the other way and is getting jammed on inner-half fastballs, resulting in ground balls or popups. His swing decisions and mechanics appear sound, but pitchers have adjusted, attacking him accordingly. Bohm's .230 BABIP suggests some bad luck, but his struggles relate to his inability to consistently get quality contact. To regain his success, Bohm must find a way to capitalize on hittable fastballs and improve his contact quality.
