Mets Reportedly Hire Former Dodgers Catcher for Key Strategy Role

According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, the New York Mets are hiring former MLB catcher A.J. Ellis to be the team's major-league strategy coordinator. Ellis worked as a special assistant in the San Diego Padres' front office and was managed by Andy Green in San Diego.

Ellis played a majority of his career with the Dodgers and posted a career .693 OPS and a 91 OPS+. The Mets are making this hire because of his experience helping to run a pitching staff, including his work as Clayton Kershaw's personal catcher during his run of Cy Young awards.

Ellis will be a big part of the day-to-day game planning, and having his experience from behind the plate on the staff should benefit the Mets on the field in 2027.