Mets Young Movement Making Impact on 2026 Season
The New York Mets have needed to rely on rookies due to injuries, a lack of production from current veterans on the roster, and on veterans they signed who have not worked out. New York currently has seven rookies on their roster, the third-most in MLB. The Mets came into the 2026 season with the majority of veterans on the roster. Still, due to circumstances and poor play, they needed to adjust their plan and turn to the farm system, bringing in players who had gotten off to a hot start in the minors and an infusion of energy. The rookies currently on New York’s roster are Carson Benge, AJ Ewing, Nick Morabito, Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, Jonah Tong, and Jonathan Pintaro.
The three offensive rookies, Benge, Ewing, and Morabito, are trying to bring energy and production to a struggling Mets offense that has really been the top reason the team is currently 22-30 and last place in the NL East. Benge, out of the three, is the only hitter who has been with the Mets from the start of the season. The 23-year-old got off to a slow start offensively despite the fact that he hit a home run on Opening Day. His play has really picked up since he moved to the leadoff spot, and he is now performing in that spot in the order. Benge is currently hitting a .251 batting average, three home runs, 17 RBIs, and eight stolen bases. In addition to his offense heating up, his defense has also been a strength. The 23-year-old has arguably been the Mets' best outfield defender, showcasing his strong arm with outfield assists and making spectacular catches.
Ewing and Morabito haven’t had much experience this season, as they were both recent additions to the roster. Ewing joined the team on May 12th and has made an intermediate impact, especially offensively. His first three games were instant success against the Tigers, where in those three games he collected an RBI triple, four walks, a stolen base, and his first career home run. In his first series in the MLB, he displayed speed, power, and plate discipline. The 21-year-old has also been the starting center fielder since his call-up, and Ewing profiles as a great defensive outfielder. He is currently in 36 at-bats, hitting a .250 batting average, one home run, four RBIs, and two stolen bases. Morabito got called up four days ago, on May 19th, and has only gotten seven at-bats in that span. He profiles as a fourth outfielder and hits very well against lefty pitchers, more of a lefty specialist.
McLean still has rookie status because last season he only made 10 starts in the big leagues, and in those starts he pitched in 59 innings to a 3.57 ERA, 69 strikeouts, and 1.03 WHIP. This season, he posted a 5-1 record, with a 2.06 ERA, 57 strikeouts, and 1.04 WHIP in 48 innings. The 24-year-old has arguably been one of the best young starters in the MLB and the current and future ace of this team. McLean also pitched for Team USA in the championship game of the World Baseball Classic.
Scott has taken advantage of injuries to the starting rotation and has been a bright spot in the rotation. He initially pitched during the 2024 season, and posted a 4.56 ERA in nine starts, and had a major injury to his UCL, which required Tommy John surgery that kept him on the injured list for one full year. He came back mid-season and flashed the dominance he had in 2024. The third starter in the rotation due to Clay Holmes getting hurt and will be out for a while.
Another young Mets starter who has taken advantage of his opportunity is Tong. Last season, he was called up to start also due to injuries. Tong looked rushed and not ready. In five starts, the 22-year-old pitched to a 7.71 ERA, but this season, in his only appearance out of the bullpen as a bulk pitcher, he looked totally different as he went three innings, no runs, and two strikeouts, and had velocity on his fastball and movement with his off-speed pitches as well.
Pintaro is a reliever to add depth to the bullpen. He made one appearance during the May 23rd afternoon game and made one appearance last year. Pintaro recently replaced another rookie, Zach Thornton, who made his MLB debut on May 20th against the Washington Nationals. During that outing, Thornton pitched 4.1 innings, allowing four runs on four hits, two walks, while striking out three.
