From smashing home runs to making defensive plays, Carson Benge has found success on multiple fronts with the New York Mets. After struggling at the start of 2026, the rookie right fielder has bounced back to the tune of recording 135 hits, 16 home runs and 135 RBI on a .279 average. Even so, that successful stretch has helped him join the NL Rookie of the Year race heading into the final month of the regular season.
Carson Benge Success
Some had doubts in Benge’s ability when he started off hitting .186 in May. He also made multiple errors in the outfield, leading some to wonder if he should be sent back down to the minor leagues.
However, Carson Benge responded to those doubts by making an impact on both sides of the field. His steady progression began when he went on a seven game hit streak in June. From there, he improved to tallying 26 hits, five doubles, nine RBI and two home runs in July.
August has brought more success for Benge, who put together two separate five and four game hit streaks. He’s also smashed five home runs, which accounts for three more than he had in July. On the defensive side, Benge used his speed and accuracy to make throws to home that prevented runs from scoring. He ranks fourth in baseball with nine outfield assists.
Joining the Race
According to a recent report from MLB.com, Carson Benge ranks in the top four of the NL Rookie of the Year race. He is fighting for the honor against JJ Wetherholt of the St. Louis Cardinals and Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds. Benge teammate and right-hander Nolan McLean is also in the running for the award.
In comparison to Benge, Wetherholt has registered 122 hits, 48 RBI and 17 home runs in 128 appearances. The Cardinals second baseman is also slashing .245/.348./.376 on a .724 OPS and 4.8 WAR. Stewart, on the other hand, is leading the league in RBI with 100 in addition to hitting 28 home runs on a .261 average and .806 OPS.
McLean, meanwhile, bounced back from a sluggish start to being 9–8 in eight appearances with 168 strikeouts. Additionally, he boosts a 3.21 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and a 2.5 WAR. For the improved performances, McLean and Benge, who were college teammates at Oklahoma State, have received praise from Mets interim manager Andy Green.
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“Nolan has to be squarely in that conversation as well. I don’t know what’s in the water in Stillwater [Oklahoma] but they’re two unique individuals that love to compete and do it really well. Well-rounded players that impact every part of the game are what every manager wants, and you want that every single time,” Green said.
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