The New York Mets’ trio of rising stars were named to the 2026 MLB Pipeline All-Rookie Team on Tuesday. Outfielder Carson Benge made the first team as fellow outfielder A.J. Ewing and right-hander Nolan McLean received second team honors. Additionally, Benge and McLean are in the running for NL Rookie of the Year.
Mets Trio Excel
Despite owning a 74–88 record in 2026, the Mets trio of Benge, Ewing and McLean emerged as potential impact players that the team can build around going forward. In support of a veteran core, Benge and Ewing were key contributors on both sides of the field.
After struggling at the start of the regular season, Benge turned it around to finish with 168 hits, 22 doubles, 20 home runs and 65 RBI. The former top prospect, who was promoted to the major league roster before the season began, stole 22 bases. That made him the first rookie in Mets franchise history to record 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a single season. He also leveraged his speed, quickness and arm strength on defense to make deep throws which prevented runs from scoring on numerous occasions.
Ewing, on the other hand, received a promotion to the major leagues in May. His production did reduce midway through the season as he finished with 110 hits, 19 doubles, 11 home runs and 43 RBI. Although his numbers aren’t as high as Benge, Ewing stole 25 bases to surpass the Mets rookie franchise record for stolen bases in a single season.
Unlike the other members of the Mets trio, McLean made his major league debut in 2025.
He posted a 5–1 record with 57 strikeouts in eight appearances. However, he struggled to replicate that success at the start of this season before bouncing back to finish with a 12–10 record and 194 strikeouts in 31 appearances. The young right-hander finished with a 3.16 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 3.0 WAR in more than 179 innings.
Tight Race
Benge and McLean’s successful first season with the Mets earned them recognition in the NL Rookie of the Year race. Most project the pair to finish in the top four alongside St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt and Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Sal Stewart, who also made the MLB Pipeline All-Rookie First Team.
In 139 appearances, Wetherholt produced 130 hits, 17 home runs and 51 RBI with 14 stolen bases. Stewart, meanwhile, finished third in the league in RBI with 111 while also registering 164 hits and 32 home runs. Both have made a case for the award while the same goes for Benge and McLean.
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