Mets Outfielder Carson Benge Finishes Second in NL Rookie of the Year Voting

Carson Benge finishes second in NL Rookie race

New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge finished as the runner-up for the National League Rookie of the Year award on Monday night, according to PIX11.

Benge earned seven first-place votes in the final tally, trailing Cincinnati Reds catcher Sal Stewart, who secured the honor with 20 first-place votes. Stewart hit 32 home runs and drove in 112 runs during the 2026 campaign, Amazin Avenue reported.

While Benge missed the top spot, his performance solidified his status as one of the most impactful newcomers in the league. He became the first Mets position player to receive votes for the award since Andrés Giménez finished in a tie for seventh place in 2020, according to Amazin Avenue.

Statistical milestones and defensive impact

Benge’s season was characterized by a rare blend of power, speed, and elite defensive utility. The Oklahoma State University product, who was a first-round pick in the 2024 MLB Amateur Draft, transitioned from a two-way prospect to a mainstay in the Mets’ outfield.

New York Mets v. Texas Rangers — Photo: amazinavenue.com

His offensive production included 20 home runs and 65 runs batted in, ranking him sixth among all rookies in home runs. He was also one of only two rookies in 2026 to maintain a batting average of .280 or higher while recording at least 600 plate appearances.

Benge joined an exclusive group of players by recording a 20/20 season—hitting 20 home runs and stealing 22 bases—marking him as the 18th rookie in MLB history to achieve that feat. The last rookie to accomplish a 20/20 season was Anthony Volpe in 2024.

Defensively, Benge provided elite value in the outfield. He led all of Major League Baseball with 10 outfield assists in 2026, a feat that included a single inning where he threw out two different runners. Amazin Avenue noted that Benge led the majors in “Arm Value,” a metric that highlights his ability to suppress the running game.

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The following table compares the primary statistical leaders from the National League Rookie of the Year finalist pool:

Player	Team	Home Runs	RBIs	Key Distinction
Sal Stewart	Cincinnati Reds	32	112	Winner; most offensive counting stats
Carson Benge	New York Mets	20	65	Runner-up; led MLB in outfield assists
J.J. Wetherholt	St. Louis Cardinals	N/A	N/A	Highest WAR (4.5/4.6)

Historical context for the Mets

Benge’s candidacy brought him close to joining a prestigious lineage within the Mets organization. Had he won, he would have been the first Mets outfielder to take home the award since Darryl Strawberry in 1983. He also would have been the first rookie drafted by David Stearns to receive this recognition.

The Mets have seen six players win the National League Rookie of the Year award over their 65-year history. Benge’s near-miss follows the recent success of Pete Alonso, who won the award in 2019 after hitting a record-setting 53 home runs. Benge was the franchise’s first Rookie of the Year finalist since Kodai Senga finished as the runner-up to Corbin Carroll in 2023, according to Amazin Avenue.

The race for the award was noted by Amazin Avenue as the most competitive of the year’s major awards cycle. While the American League awards saw clear frontrunners, the National League featured a highly contested field involving Benge, Stewart, and Wetherholt.

The impact of a complete player

The distinction between the winner and the runner-up often comes down to the difference between pure offensive volume and all-around utility. While Stewart’s 32 home runs provided massive power, Benge’s value was anchored in his “Wins Above Replacement” (WAR) and defensive excellence.

Benge posted a 4.3 WAR, placing him among the top three rookies in all of MLB. Only J.J. Wetherholt, who posted a 4.5 or 4.6 WAR depending on the metric used, and one other rookie surpassed him in that category. Benge’s ability to impact the game through baserunning, hitting, and elite outfield defense makes him a foundational piece for the Mets’ future.

The conversation around Benge’s season often highlights his trajectory from a two-way draft pick to a specialized outfielder. His major league career began with a home run on Opening Day against the Pittsburgh Pirates, setting a tone for a season that saw him finish in the top 10 for rookie RBIs.

The 2026 season will be remembered in Queens not just for the individual accolades, but for the emergence of a player who can impact the game in nearly every facet of play.

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