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Ranking the NY Met rookies after semi-silent emergence of impressive class

Let's rank the Mets' very promising 2026 rookie class.
ByPat Ragazzo
Sep 19, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets right fielder Carson Benge (3) celebrates his solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies with center fielder A.J. Ewing (9) during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Sep 19, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets right fielder Carson Benge (3) celebrates his solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies with center fielder A.J. Ewing (9) during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The 2026 season was a nightmare for the New York Mets, but there were actually some bright spots thanks to their impressive rookie class. The Mets entered the year with the second-highest payroll in baseball and lofty expectations, but after failing to meet the latter, the rookies became the reason to watch.

So, let's take a crack at ranking the Mets' rookie class from this season. Some of these pieces should become a part of the future core moving forward, which will hopefully lead to a turnaround in the near term.

Ranking some of the Mets rookies in 2027

1. Carson Benge RF

Leading the charge is rookie right fielder Carson Benge, who overcame early season struggles to have a strong first year in the big leagues. Benge made his MLB debut on Opening Day after making the major league roster out of spring training. He hit just .179/.235/.263 through May 2, but since this date has hit .294 with 140 hits, 17 home runs, 55 RBI and 72 runs scored across 121 games. Overall on the season, Benge has slashed .275/.339/.419 with a .758 OPS, 19 homers, 61 RBI and 22 stolen bases. Benge set the Mets' rookie record for hits (156) as well. He has also showcased a cannon for an arm in right field. The 23-year-old will deservedly receive votes for NL Rookie of the Year.

2. Nolan McLean SP

Right-handed starting pitcher Nolan McLean overcame struggles of his own this season to have a nice campaign on the mound. McLean posted a 6.10 ERA in May, but bounced back to post sub-3.00 ERAs in June through August. Based on how dominant McLean looked in his first taste of big league action last year, I don't think anyone expected him to have a rough patch in 2026. But McLean has made the necessary adjustments and has 11 wins and a 3.18 ERA in 30 starts. Like Benge, McLean should draw some Rookie of the Year votes. He also looks like a future ace for the Mets.

3. A.J. Ewing CF

The Mets didn't expect A.J. Ewing to make an impact in the majors in 2026, but here we are. Ewing came up to make his MLB debut on May 12 and has solidified himself as the Mets' center fielder of the future it seems. The 22-year-old hit a wall in August offensively, but has come right back to slash .355/.406/.532 in September. He also tied Mookie Wilson for the most stolen bases by a Mets' rookie with 24. In addition to his 24 steals, Ewing has slashed .257/.325/.379 with a .704 OPS, 10 homers and 40 RBI in 114 games.

4. Zac Thornton SP

The fourth-best rookie on this list is left-handed starting pitcher Zac Thornton. Like McLean, Thornton looks like a future piece of the Mets' starting rotation. The southpaw has given up three runs or less in 12 of his 14 big league starts this season. Thornton has a 3.40 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 79.1 major league innings in 2026. He doesn't particularly throw hard, but he pounds the strike zone and attacks hitters. His preparation in between starts has made the difference this year.

5. Nate Lavender RP

Lefty relief pitcher Nate Lavender was called up to make his MLB debut on August 4, following the Mets' purge of their bullpen at the trade deadline. Lavender has proceeded to post a 1.93 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in 18.2 innings since. He didn't allow a run in the big leagues until his 15th appearance, where he was charged with three earned runs. But beyond this rough outing, Lavender has produced 16 scoreless appearances across 18 total. The 26-year-old has earned consideration for the Mets' 2027 bullpen.

6. Jefry Yan RP

Left-hander Jefry Yan is known for his animated celebrations on the mound after getting big outs. Like Lavender, Yan was brought up in early August to replace the veteran relievers that were traded at the deadline. And although Yan struggled to a 5.68 ERA through his first 13 appearances, which led to him being optioned back to the minors, the southpaw has looked much better since being recalled on September 16. Yan has hurled 5.1 shutout innings in his last three appearances and could find himself competing for a spot in the bullpen next season.

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