DJ Stewart has gone from almost seeing his Major League Baseball career end to being a New York Mets lead-off hitter.
The 30-year-old was battling away in the minor leagues this time last year before earning a promotion.
He spent five seasons at the Baltimore Orioles from 2018 to 2022 and became a free agent after that spell.
After beginning 2023 with the Syracuse Mets, he was bumped up to the major league roster in July.
And Stewart’s performances earned him another season in New York under the new leadership of Carlos Mendoza.
“Every year I’m grateful for the opportunity to put on a major league uniform,” Stewart told The Sun.
“To do it here in New York with the Mets means the world to me.
“They gave me a chance last year and to be re-signed here this year is awesome.
“I love New York, my family loves it here, it’s been great.”
Stewart has played a prominent role in the new look Mets after their off-season overhaul.
Carlos Mendoza came in as manager of the team and has backed Stewart in roles such as lead-off hitter.
“It’s huge any time your manager trusts you in big situations,” Stewart said.
“It puts confidence in you knowing he has confidence in you to do your job makes it a lot easier.
“We have a new manager, the team is great and we’re pushing to where we want to go.”
Stewart will swap New York for London in a couple weeks when the Mets head to the UK for a rivalry clash.
They face a two-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies at the London Stadium on June 8 and 9.
“I’m very excited for it,” Stewart said.
MLB is back in London for a third time this summer when the Philadelphia Phillies take on the New York Mets.
The London Stadium will transform from a football pitch to a baseball field for the June 8 and 9 spectacle.
Fans attending the games can feast on some extravagant ballpark menu items such as boomstick nachos (pictured) and a two-foot boomstick hotdog.
The New York Yankees won both games in 2019 against their rivals the Boston Red Sox.
And the Chicago Cubs split their series with the St Louis Cardinals when the teams faced off in 2023.
“This game has taken me to so many different places in my life.”
“You see the football games and other sports over there, but to be a part of it at the highest level in my profession really means a lot to me.
“Philly fans don’t like us, and when they come here and our fans don’t show them too much love.
Every year I’m grateful for the opportunity to put on a major league uniform. To do it in New York with the Mets means the world to me.
DJ Stewart
“It’s good competition and the games mean even more because they’re in our division.”
New York Mets will play Philadelphia Phillies in the MLB World Tour: London Series 2024, June 8-9 at London Stadium. Tickets are available now at https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/MLB
