The New York Mets are hiring A.J. Ellis as their major-league strategy coordinator, The Athletic's Will Sammon reported Wednesday. The club has not yet announced the move. Ellis becomes the latest addition to manager Andy Green's coaching staff as the Mets continue preparing for the 2027 season. His arrival also reunites Green with a familiar face from his time managing the San Diego Padres.
Ellis, 45, played 11 major-league seasons, most notably with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also spent time with the Philadelphia Phillies and Miami Marlins before finishing his playing career with San Diego in 2018. Across 672 career games, Ellis hit .239 with 44 home runs and 229 RBI. While his offensive numbers were modest, his experience behind the plate gave him years of working closely with pitchers and handling major-league pitching staffs.
Following his retirement, Ellis joined the Padres' front office as a special assistant in 2019. He now brings both playing and front-office experience to his new role in New York. During his final season as a player, Ellis played under Green in San Diego. That existing relationship could help ease his transition to the Mets, giving him familiarity with the manager as he joins a different organization. Ellis also gained experience mentoring younger players late in his career, helping Padres catchers Austin Hedges and Francisco Mejía in 2018. That background could prove valuable as he establishes relationships with players in New York.
With one coaching vacancy remaining — after this move becomes official and the promotion of Mariano Duncan — the staff is moving closer to completion. Ellis' addition gives Green another experienced voice as the Mets look to turn their offseason preparations into better results in 2027.
Main Photo Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
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