Mets have one massive bright spot in lost season

The New York Mets were projected to be one of MLB’s best teams before the season began in late March. Now a week after the trade deadline, they are 52-67 and comfortably last place in the National League East.

Now 19 ½ games behind the first-place Atlanta Braves, the Mets do not have much left to play for. That being said, they do have rookie right fielder Carson Benge to be excited about.

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SNY Mets on X made a post on Monday afternoon detailing Benge’s recent breakout. The 23-year-old is batting .345 with a 1.008 OPS during the month of August.

Benge’s 2026 as a whole

Jul 3, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; New York Mets right fielder Carson Benge (3) during the game against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

The outfielder was called up on March 24 following a great showing in Spring Training. A 2024 first-round pick, Benge flew through the minor leagues. He only needed 116 games across four levels of the minors (A, A+, AA, AAA) before reaching the show.

In 113 games this season he is slashing .272/.332/.412 (.744 OPS) with 13 home runs, 47 RBIs and 18 stolen bases in 21 tries. He has played the 2nd-most games for the Mets in 2026.

Benge did not get off to a great start to begin the season. Through April 30, he was hitting .189 with a .525 OPS while striking out 23.7% of the time.

However, since May 1, the 23-year-old is slashing .294/.354/.448 for an .802 OPS. He has 11 home runs and 41 RBIs in this time while primarily hitting in the lead-off and cleanup spot in the batting order.

MORE: Mets release former Top-100 prospect

Mets’ future outfield plans

As it stands currently, New York could have one of the best outfields in MLB a couple of years down the line. Benge is having a great rookie season in right field, they have superstar Juan Soto and another rookie outfielder is breaking out as well.

A.J. Ewing was called up to the Mets on May 11 following a torrid start to the season at Triple-A Syracuse. In 78 games, he is slashing .262/.334/.397 (.731 OPS) with seven home runs and 28 RBIs while playing good defense in center field.

With Soto healthy, Benge and Ewing in center and right, New York has a very exciting development on their hands. They could have a top outfield in baseball as soon as 2027.

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