Mets Stars Shine: Carson Benge and Jonah Tong Earn Top Prospect Honors
The New York Mets are buzzing with young talent as they celebrate two breakout stars from their farm system. Outfielder Carson Benge snagged the organization’s Player of the Year award on Monday, while pitcher Jonah Tong took home Pitcher of the Year honors. Both players impressed across multiple minor league levels in 2025, and Mets fans are already eyeing them for big league call-ups next season.
Let’s start with Benge, the 22-year-old powerhouse who lit up the field. Drafted by the Mets in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft, he posted a solid .279 batting average with a .380 on-base percentage and .460 slugging mark. In 110 games split between Single-A Brooklyn, Double-A Binghamton, and Triple-A Syracuse, Benge smashed 13 home runs, drove in 68 RBIs, and swiped 21 bases. No wonder MLB Pipeline ranks him as the No. 20 prospect in all of baseball. He even represented the Mets at the All-Star Futures Game in Atlanta, showing off his skills on a national stage. For now, Benge gets to enjoy his meteoric rise, but expect him on the Mets radar for a potential 2026 debut.
Tong, also 22, dominated on the mound and earned his stripes as the Mets’ top pitching prospect. The right-hander, a seventh-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, fired a stellar 1.43 ERA across 22 starts for Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse. He racked up 179 strikeouts in just 113 2/3 innings, proving he’s got the stuff to handle higher levels. Tong got his first taste of the majors in late August, starting three games for the big club and showing flashes of brilliance.
The Mets will honor both Benge and Tong during a special pregame ceremony on Wednesday. They’ll also pay tribute to retiring amateur scout Marlin McPhail, who’s dedicated 39 years to building the team’s future through smart drafts and signings.
Francisco Lindor Continues Humanitarian Legacy
In other Mets news, star shortstop Francisco Lindor earned his third straight nomination for the Roberto Clemente Award, MLB’s highest honor for players who make a difference off the field. Lindor stays true to his roots by supporting his foundation, which hands out scholarships to kids in need. He’s also deeply involved with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, hosting meet-and-greets that have raised $44,000 over the last four years to fight childhood cancer.
Lindor’s efforts highlight why he’s a fan favorite—not just for his glove and bat, but for his big heart. If he wins the award, it’ll be a well-deserved cap to another strong season.
Pitching Update: Sean Manaea Joins Bullpen Rotation
Looking ahead, lefty Sean Manaea gears up for a relief role in Tuesday’s series opener against the San Diego Padres. He’ll piggyback behind closer Clay Holmes, marking his second bullpen outing this year. Back on July 13 in Kansas City, Manaea relieved Holmes in his season debut and held the Royals to one earned run on five hits over 3 1/3 innings. With the Mets pushing for the playoffs, versatile arms like Manaea could be key in tight games.
These developments show the Mets blending youth with experience, setting up an exciting future. Keep an eye on Benge, Tong, and the rest as New York aims to contend in the NL East.
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