DJ Stewart talks big day against Rangers, future with Mets: ‘I hope I’m doing enough to stay here’
It was a night to remember for Mets outfielder DJ Stewart.
Stewart just about single-handedly prevented the Mets from being swept by the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night at Citi Field. Not only did he hit two home runs, including one to tie the game in the eighth inning, he drove in the winning run in the 10th when he took a 96 mph fastball in the hip from Aroldis Chapman with the bases loaded.
Oh, and he made a potential game-saving catch when he crashed into the right-field wall to rob Marcus Semien of extra bases in the ninth inning.
“[The wall in Citi Field is] a lot softer than the one in Baltimore,” Stewart joked after the game.
When he was asked which of his accomplishments on Wednesday was better, Stewart took a second to think about it before answering.
“That’s hard,” he said. “I’m not known for my defense so I take more pride in that but honestly it was a heckuva game and it felt unbelievable to do everything for the team.”
While the catch was impressive, Stewart’s bat has been on fire recently. Wednesday saw the outfielder hit his eighth and ninth home runs of the season. Eight of those long balls have come in his last 13 games and he is now hitting with a 1.015 OPS in 86 at-bats.
He's also slashing .303/.378/.727 with those eight home runs and 16 RBI in August
Not bad from a seemingly forgotten first-round pick by the Orioles in 2015. The 29-year-old spent five seasons with Baltimore before he signed a minor league contract with the Mets over the offseason.
While he started the year in Triple-A Syracuse, he would get his opportunity in July when he was called up. And he’s made the most of it, and the Citi Field crowd appreciates it, chanting the lefty’s name throughout.
“It was awesome [to hear the cheers]. Been a tough year for us as a team but you enjoy those little moments,” Stewart said. “For me to start the season in Syracuse and to come up here and hear that is really awesome.”
In just 36 games with the Mets, Stewart is outpacing his 2021 season with Baltimore, his best as a major leaguer when he hit 12 home runs and 33 RBI in 100 games. He credits his teammates and coaches for giving him the confidence to do what he does best, mash the baseball.
“It’s a little bit of Buck [Showalter] trusting me to do my job, staying healthy, teammates giving me confidence and I’m comfortable with what I’m doing,” Stewart explained. “I really trust what I’m doing in the cage and the guys around me are giving me confidence. When you’re confident going into the box in a major league contest, it makes it a little bit easier on you. And not thinking about the small things with your swing and just going out there and executing.”
When asked if he felt his game was “coming together” Stewart didn’t say if it was but talked more about how he’s feeling now and how much he wants to continue this hot streak as long as he can.
“I’m playing well right now. Baseball is a tough game. Streaks like this don’t always last,” he said. “I'm enjoying it now but I’m not crazy. I know baseball doesn’t always work out this way so I’m enjoying it, keep working and finish strong.”
With Stewart only under contract with the Mets until the end of the season, the slugger’s future with the club is in question.
It’s tough to say if Stewart fits into what the Mets want to do in 2024 and potentially beyond, but the Florida native has really enjoyed his time in New York and hopes it continues.
“Any time you sign a one-year deal you’re playing for a job next year. I’m just happy to be healthy. I love New York," he said. "I really enjoy being here. My family enjoys it. I hope I’m doing enough to stay here. I’m playing for everyone but I’d like to be here.”
