The New York Mets were expected to contend for the World Series entering the 2026 season. Instead, they never recovered from a 12-game losing streak in April, limping through another disappointing season, which will result in the Mets missing the playoffs.

There have been some positives despite the Mets' mediocre performance. The emergence of outfielder Carson Benge into a potential star has been one of the highlights of the season.

Benge appeared to be overmatched at the beginning of the season. He homered on Opening Day but struggled thereafter, posting a .136/.219/.197 batting line over his first 73 plate appearances, hitting one home run and one double. However, the Mets continued to stick with Benge, giving him the opportunity to learn on the job.

That decision has paid off. Benge has become the most valuable player on the Mets this season, leading the team with 3.4 fWAR. He entered Sunday with a .273/.337/.414 batting line over his 591 plate appearances, hitting 17 homers and 19 doubles while stealing 22 bases. Benge has been valuable defensively as well, leading National League right fielders with 10 outfield assists and two double plays.

Carson Benge developing into superstar for Mets

His all-around ability was on display on Saturday against the Yankees. Benge was 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBI in the Mets' 12-2 victory. His defense also made an impact as he made a running catch to rob Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge of extra bases. His performance prompted fellow outfielder Juan Soto to say that Benge no longer surprises him and that he feels the rookie outfielder is already a superstar.

Benge has time to go before the superstar label can be applied. He needs to prove that his excellent rookie season is not just a one-year high point. However, if he can build off his strong performance, Soto may be proven correct faster than anyone could have anticipated.