What happened: The New York Mets are hiring former major-league catcher A.J. Ellis as their major-league strategy coordinator. Ellis will join manager Andy Green's staff to assist with the pitching program, focusing on game-planning and pitch-calling. He transitions to New York after serving as a special assistant in the San Diego Padres front office since 2019.

Why it matters: The hire reunites Ellis with Green, who managed him in San Diego in 2018 before taking over the Mets dugout on a three-year extension. New York is continuing to restructure its major-league staff following a 2026 campaign that included midseason leadership changes and offseason departures. Ellis brings 11 seasons of catching experience across four organizations, giving the staff an established game-planner to pair with pitching coach Justin Willard.

What to watch: The Mets will finalize their 2027 coaching staff under Green as the front office heads into the winter meetings and offseason player acquisition.