New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge has emerged as a strong candidate for the National League Rookie of the Year award, bolstered by an impressive offensive surge over the last month. Entering play on Sunday, Benge recorded a .952 OPS and led the National League with 38 hits in his last 28 games.
Benge expressed his desire to win the award, stating, "[I] definitely do want it." If he were to win, he would become the first Met to earn the honor since Pete Alonso in 2019, and the third rookie in franchise history to do so this century, following Alonso and Jacob deGrom.
To secure the award, Benge faces competition from other notable rookies. St. Louis Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt, currently on the injured list with right wrist tendinitis, has posted a .242 batting average with a .743 OPS and a 4.6 bWAR among NL position players. C.J. Stewart, a 22-year-old for the Cincinnati Reds, recently became the first rookie in franchise history to achieve at least 30 home runs and 100 RBIs in a season, entering Sunday with an MLB-leading 104 RBIs. Additionally, Mets pitcher Nolan McLean has shown a 1.76 ERA over his last 11 starts.
Despite the strong competition, Benge has impressed with both his hitting and his arm. He made the Opening Day roster following a strong spring training and has maintained his position. Benge is the first Mets rookie since Darryl Strawberry in 1983 to record at least 15 home runs and 15 stolen bases in the same season, currently sitting at 16 homers and 54 RBIs. His powerful arm has also generated outfield assists clocked at speeds up to 103.9 mph.
"I think [he] definitely belongs in the conversation right now," said interim manager Andy Green regarding Benge. "I know there’s other good rookies throughout the game. I think Carson, throughout the year, shows the ability to bounce back from tough moments really well. Really talented hitter. Can hit any pitch at any time. Even as he goes through funks, he maintains like the right perspective and the right attitude and the right approach."
Green added, "I think we knew that’s who he was. It’s great to see it play out on a big league field in the first season." Benge indicated he does not focus on how he might stand out from other contenders, leaving the judgment to the voters. He also has not discussed the award with McLean, his former teammate at Oklahoma State.
Benge acknowledged the challenge of surpassing players like Stewart, who has strong statistical achievements, and Wetherholt, even with his current injury. However, Benge's recent performance has firmly placed him in the Rookie of the Year discussion. The outfielder, who is 23 years old, previously believed this level of performance was attainable when he initially aimed to make the Mets roster during spring training.
"I think if not," Benge said of his aspirations, "I’m selling myself short. If you’re gonna try and come into the league and not do anything, be average to below average, I don’t think you’re doing it right."
