Carson Benge had a rookie year to remember for the New York Mets.
After a great spring training, Benge made the Opening Day roster. Despite a slow start to his big-league career, Benge quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young outfielders in baseball.
In 156 games, the 23-year-old slashed .282/.346/.430 with 20 home runs, 66 RBI, 86 runs scored and 22 stolen bases. Benge also became the first Mets rookie to compile a 20/20 season.
Benge’s defense was also on full display for New York during the regular season, as he became a weekly highlight reel with incredible diving catches in the outfield, along with 10 outfield assists.
With that incredible rookie campaign in the books, Benge is now stating his case for National League Rookie of the Year honors.
“I don’t know [Sal Stewart], but he seems like a great dude. He’s a Jesus man, which I love. He seems like a great person,” Benge said in an exclusive interview with Mike Puma of the New York Post.
“But I feel like I would be deserving of the award in the most humble way possible. I don’t mean to come off cocky; I think I deserve it,” Benge added. “I think I showed in the whole season, in all facets of the game, that I did a pretty good job showcasing my talent, but there’s definitely other good rookies out there.”
As Benge alluded, he’s up against some steep competition for Rookie of the Year in the National League, especially first baseman Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds, who is the frontrunner for the award. Stewart slugged 32 home runs and drove in 112 runs for the Reds during the regular season and was selected to the All-Star Game.
Other potential candidates include JJ Wetherholt of the St. Louis Cardinals and Benge’s teammate, Nolan McLean, who posted a dazzling 3.16 ERA in 31 starts during his first full season in the majors.
If Benge wins Rookie of the Year, he would become only the seventh Met in team history to win the award. The most recent winners for the Amazins’ have been Pete Alonso in 2019 and Jacob deGrom in 2014.
But even if Benge does not win NL Rookie of the Year, it is safe to say the young outfielder has a bright future in Flushing.
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