Mets Add A.J. Ellis to Strategy Staff

The Mets have hired A.J. Ellis as strategy coordinator, adding a former major league catcher to a staff undergoing further changes. Ellis is expected to work on the pitching program, including game planning and pitch-calling.

Ellis played 11 seasons in the majors and has been a special assistant in the San Diego Padres’ front office since 2019. His playing career included time with the Padres, Dodgers, Marlins and Phillies. He played for current Mets manager Andy Green in San Diego in 2018.

As a catcher, Ellis was known for his pitch-calling and earned the confidence of Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw while in Los Angeles. The Mets changed their pitching staff a year ago, replacing pitching coach Jeremy Hefner with Justin Willard, formerly of the Red Sox.

The broader coaching overhaul coincided with a disappointing season. Carlos Mendoza was fired in May after the team’s poor start, and Green took over on an interim basis. The Mets improved with Green at the helm, and he was given a three-year extension. The team has also dismissed major league hitting director Jeff Albert and promoted Mariano Duncan to its major league staff.