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A.J. Ewing remembers last year as a struggle.

And just from a pure statistical standpoint, there might not be a lot from the Mets prospect’s first full season as a professional baseball player that jumps off the page. 

Ewing’s strikeout rate was nearly 30 percent, and even as a player known for his speed, he attempted just 19 stolen bases for the entire 2024 campaign. He admitted to having some anxiety about hurting his team by getting thrown out on the basepaths, so his attempts were limited. 

So during this year’s spring training, Ewing — who plays second base and all three outfield positions — made a conscious effort to get over any apprehensions and stay true to what got him drafted in the first place.