As the New York Mets prepare to open up their second half with a four-game set against the Miami Marlins, plenty of questions remain regarding how the roster will look as the blue and orange attempt to return to postseason play.
While much of the focus has been on what changes will be made in the bullpen, the outfield may look different, and the blue and orange should consider sending a disappointing outfielder back to Triple-A.
Should the Mets send DJ Stewart to Triple-A?
After signing with the Mets last season, DJ Stewart turned into a second-half hero for a depleted blue and orange roster. In 58 games, Stewart slashed .244/.333/.506 with a 130 OPS+ with 11 home runs and 26 RBIs.
However, 2024 has been a completely different story for the Florida native. Stewart has struggled to get going and is slashing .173/.326/.309 across 65 games, with five home runs and 19 RBIs. The 30-year-old is currently amidst a brutal cold stretch, as he is one-for-19 during his plate appearances in the last six games.
- Mets outright Brandon Waddell to Syracuse after going unclaimed in waivers
- New Mets infielder had some training at first base in 2025: Is he Pete Alonso’s replacement?
- The Mets could make a sneaky move for Bo Bichette in free agency
Why the Mets should send Stewart down now?
Despite Starling Marte being injured, now is still the right time to send Stewart down to Triple-A. With the Flordia native gone, it will allow Ben Gamel — who has struggled to get playing time—to show the impact he can have at the major league level after tearing the cover off the ball for Syracuse.
If Gamel turns into a revelation, it eliminates the need for another outfielder at this year’s deadline, which has been floated around. If not, they at least tried an internal fix before making a move.
In addition, it would allow the struggling Jeff McNeil some more opportunities to get in the lineup as the former batting champ tries to work through his struggles while still keeping Jose Iglesias on the field.
Time will tell what the Mets do with Stewart, but it feels like the time is now to send the 30-year-old down to Triple-A.
More about: New York Mets
