Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa admired McEwing so much that he requested a pair of the player's spikes upon the trade.

[12] Released by the Mets toward the end of spring training in 2005 (which especially upset All-Star David Wright),[13] the Kansas City Royals signed him to provide extra infield insurance.

[14] The Royals called McEwing up to the major leagues in April, when starting third baseman Mark Teahen went on the 15-day disabled list.

On November 3, 2008, he was named manager of the Winston-Salem Dash, the Class A affiliate for the Chicago White Sox, for the 2009 season.

[18] During that season, Baseball America rated McEwing as the top managerial prospect in the South Atlantic League.

[22][23] Several managerial and coaching positions opened up shortly before the end of the 2011 season when then White Sox manager Ozzie Guillén announced that he would be leaving.

[28][29] McEwing was ejected for the first time in his MLB career on May 5, 2023, arguing a called strike one to Dylan Carlson.