Mets' Carson Benge adds to NL ROY case with back-to-back assists against Padres

His two throws were clocked at 99.9 mph and 103.9 mph, which MLB.com's Sarah Langs noted made him the first pitcher of the Statcast era with two 99+ mph outfield assists in one inning and only the second to do so in a single game. The 103.9-mph assist was the third-fastest measured since 2015.

"That's pretty cool," Benge told SNY after the game when informed he became the first player in Mets franchise history to record back-to-back outfield assists at home plate. "Being able to keep runs at a minimum is huge."

Since making his major league debut at the start of the 2026 season on Mar. 26, Benge has proven to have one of the strongest arms for an outfielder. Entering Monday, he ranked seventh among all fielders in arm strength (95.5 mph); only Kansas City Royals outfielder Jack Caglianone (98.7 mph) had a stronger arm in right field. (h/t Baseball Savant)

His cannon in the outfield is a remarkable equalizer, but he's also shown impressive growth at the plate following a rough start to the season. Benge had a .294/.356/.446 slash line with 11 home runs over his last 81 games entering Monday, when he went 1-for-3. Overall, he's slashing .273/.335/.415 this season for what's turning into an all-around great rookie campaign.

If Benge continues at his current pace through the end of the season, he could challenge leading candidates including St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt and Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart for NL Rookie of the Year honors.

Wetherholt is slashing .243/.350/.376 and is also excellent in the field, leading all infielders in fielding run value. Stewart has 26 home runs (49 total extra-base hits) and an MLB-leading 91 RBI. As impressive as they've been, Benge is proving to be every bit as deserving of Rookie of the Year consideration. He may even lead the conversation when all is said and done.