Ellis logged parts of 11 major‑league seasons, largely as a Dodgers backup. Known for his savvy game‑calling, he built a strong battery with Clayton Kershaw during the ace’s early Hall‑of‑Fame years.
The former 18th‑round pick also saw time with the Phillies and Marlins before ending his playing days with the Padres in 2018. After Green’s penultimate season as San Diego’s manager, Ellis slipped into a special‑assistant role for the Padres, his only post‑playing job so far. In my view, that front‑office experience primes him for a coaching career, and the White Sox even eyed him during their 2024 search.
Ellis becomes the Mets’ second recent hire, following Mariano Duncan’s unnamed appointment last month. The club still seeks an extra voice on offense after parting ways with hitting director Jeff Albert at season’s end. Will his addition finally give the Mets the edge they need in the NL East?