An emerging NY Mets platoon that’ll hit right in the nostalgia feels

Mookie Wilson and Lenny Dykstra were quite a pair. Many similarities on the field, fewer off of it, the pair of New York Mets outfielders didn’t always get a chance to play beside each other. While there were many instances when Dykstra started in center field and Wilson in left field, they were often used as a platoon but not such a strict one where either player sat regularly.

The current Mets have a similar situation brewing, probably a year or two away from taking place with any regularity. It’s no secret to anyone how poorly A.J. Ewing has performed against left-handed pitchers, often sitting whenever the Mets face a southpaw. He was going to start on Monday against the Chicago Cubs prior to the rainout with Shota Imanaga on the mound.

In 37 big league chances against southpaws, Ewing is slashing only .152/.194/.242. Hidden at times against lefties, failure to adjust and figure it out can help provide fellow outfielder Nick Morabito with an opportunity to be the Mookie to his Ewing’s Nails.

A.J. Ewing and Nick Morabito are an exciting pairing we hope develop right with the Mets

The Ewing comparisons to Dykstra are noticeable, Howie Rose seeing similarities on defense. The style of play with speed and a high average present within, one box is already close to getting checked off.

The Morabito comparison to Wilson is the one we’re still waiting on. Hitless in all 9 of his trips to the plate earlier this year, consecutive seasons of 59 and 49 stolen bases in each of the last two years makes him hard to overlook as, if nothing else, a demon on the base paths.

Morabito isn’t a prospect on the same level as Ewing, but he was the club’s Minor League Player of the Year in 2024. Hitting lefties well in the minors this year with a .288/.403/.423 slash line, he has been decent against righties as well with a .233/.338/.389 slash line. If this is who he ends up being at the major league level, he can easily get regular appearances as more than a guy exclusive to facing left-handed pitchers.

An outfield with Ewing and Morabito lacks power and with the structure of this team they probably wouldn’t share the outfield grass too often. Carson Benge isn’t going anywhere nor is Juan Soto. Regular appearances by the latter at the DH spot could create an opportunity for some games where Morabito patrols left field alongside Ewing. It would give the Mets the kind of dream defensive outfield that could make David Stearns smile even after reading what fans are saying about his season.

Morabito is a natural to replace Tyrone Taylor next year. Wilson’s career began with a season of 27 games followed by one with 92. The same could very well occur with Morabito who is a candidate to return to the majors post-trade deadline and maybe take on a part-time role in 2027. Perhaps it’s in 2028 when we see the platoon take its full shape.

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