Juan Soto did not need to speak at length when asked why the New York Mets can contend in 2027. After a 74-88 season that kept them out of the MLB playoffs, Soto gave a two-word answer: Carson Benge.
MORE: Mets have positive update on Jared Young after ‘scary collision’
That is quite an endorsement for a rookie who just finished his first major league season.
The Mets entered 2026 with much bigger expectations, but injuries and an inconsistent roster eventually caught up with them. They finished last in the NL East and missed the postseason for the second straight year.
Benge, however, gave the club something it desperately needed: a reason to look forward.
The rookie finished with a .282 batting average, 20 home runs, 65 RBI, 168 hits and 22 stolen bases. SNY also reported that Benge became the first Mets rookie to reach 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases.
Benge seen as big part of the Mets’ future
Soto’s answer carries even more weight because he knows what the Mets need to fix.
The superstar played 111 games and hit .275 with 27 home runs, 68 RBI, a .393 on-base percentage and a .515 slugging percentage. But two calf injuries cost him significant time during the season, including a lengthy absence in July and August.
Soto has also said the Mets need to be active this offseason and add to their core group. He specifically pointed to Benge and other young players as reasons to believe the organization is moving in the right direction.
That puts plenty of attention on Benge heading into 2027. The Mets may have had a rough season, but at least the rookie gave fans something worth circling on the calendar.
The team clearly still has work to do. While Soto and Francisco Lindor provide veteran star power, the pitching staff and overall roster need improvement after a 74-88 finish.
But Benge remains a major reason for optimism.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —