Carson Benge makes never-before-seen Mets franchise history for a rookie

The 2026 season for the New York Mets hasn't gone to plan. There's no other way to put it. This has been a very disappointing season.

But it would've been a complete and total failure if it weren't for the breakout seasons from a few key rookies. Nolan McLean proved his 2025 dominance wasn't a fluke; A.J. Ewing impressed, and Carson Benge looks to be a future star.

With only a few games to go, Benge has made some rookie history for the Mets. According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, Benge is the first and only rookie in Mets history to have reached 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in their rookie season.

Carson Benge makes never-before-seen Mets rookie history

"Carson Benge is the first Mets rookie to produce a 20/20 season," Sammon shared on Twitter/x during the Mets' third-to-last game of the season.

Benge will be in contention for the NL Rookie of the Year, but Sal Stewart's traditional home run and RBI numbers might get him the nod over the Mets outfielder.

But Benge is more than deserving of the award, especially with this context of Benge's one-of-a-kind rookie history for the Mets.

No other rookie in Mets history has reached 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in a season. After Benge's Friday night performance, he's reached 20 homers to pair with his 22 stolen bases.

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This year, Benge has a .277 batting average in 585 at-bats with 84 runs scored, 162 hits, 21 doubles, three triples, 20 homers, 64 RBIs, 50 walks, 140 strikeouts, a .768 OPS, and 22 stolen bases on 27 attempts.

This strong rookie season for Benge is something the Mets have not seen in their long franchise history. This is an incredible feat for Benge, as he's more than proven that his first season in the big leagues has been a success.

Regardless of whether he wins the NL Rookie of the Year or not, Benge's 2026 season should give Mets fans a lot of hope moving forward, even amid a brutal 2026 season.

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