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The New York Mets' 2026 campaign will be remembered for its impressive rookie class, which featured 14 first-year players who each contributed and provided a glimpse of the franchise's future. Evaluating these young talents individually is crucial for President of Baseball Operations David Stearns as he plans to build around this core. Each player receives a letter grade reflecting their 2026 performance and potential for future success with the club.
Carson Benge: A+
Carson Benge's rookie season was nothing short of spectacular. He became the Mets' all-time rookie hit leader and the first rookie in team history to join the 20-20 club (20 home runs and 20 stolen bases). His elite defense and strong arm further bolstered his case for National League Rookie of the Year. Despite a rough start in which he hit just .192 in April, Benge demonstrated the value of patience with young players. The Mets could have demoted him, but their faith paid off. Benge played only 131 minor league games and ascended from Single-A to Triple-A in 2025 alone. With more lineup protection in 2027, his development could skyrocket, and he may have secured the permanent leadoff spot.
A.J. Ewing: B+
A.J. Ewing is another rookie who quickly climbed the minor league ladder. His quick bat and mature approach at the plate make it easy to forget he is just 22 years old. While his overall hitting struggles lowered his grade, he finished strong with a .309 batting average in September. Ewing and Benge formed a dynamic outfield duo, even dubbing themselves the "psychopaths" for their aggressive play. Ewing's speed is exceptional, as evidenced by his 25 stolen bases, which broke Mookie Wilson's Mets rookie record set in 1981. With Benge and Ewing's proven gloves and Juan Soto's veteran presence, the outfield is the most secure area for the Mets' future.
Nolan McLean: A-
Nolan McLean's 2026 season showcased his brilliance on a larger scale than his 2025 debut. He struggled in May with a 6.10 ERA, but in every other month, his ERA stayed below 3.75. McLean possesses some of the nastiest off-speed pitches in the game, with elite spin rates, though he occasionally battles control issues. His 3.5 BB/9 is not alarmingly high but can be improved. If Stearns makes McLean the ace in 2027, the rotation could be filled internally, but it might be better for McLean to learn behind an established ace before taking on that role.
Zac Thornton: B+
Zac Thornton was a pleasant surprise for a Mets rotation in need. In 15 games, he posted a 3.42 ERA and positioned himself for a 2027 roster spot. After David Peterson was traded to the Chicago Cubs, the team needed a reliable left-hander, especially with Sean Manaea struggling. Thornton made his first start on June 26, a day after the Peterson trade, throwing six innings of one-run ball against the Philadelphia Phillies. He remained in the rotation from July through season's end. The main reason he didn't earn an "A" is his limited innings and the uncertainty of a full season. Thornton's 147 innings in 2026 across the minors and majors were a career high, far surpassing his previous high of 72.2 in 2025. He showed no fatigue in his final starts, but how he handles a full big-league workload remains to be seen.
Nate Lavender: A
Nate Lavender excelled after the Mets sold at the trade deadline. He posted a 1.66 ERA in 21 games, essentially filling the void left by Brooks Raley, who was dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies. Lavender's journey to the majors was arduous. Drafted by the Mets in 2021, he reached Triple-A in 2024 but underwent an internal brace procedure on his left elbow that same year. He was then selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the Rule 5 draft but did not pitch for them, as he had surgery in August 2025 to remove a bone spur from his left elbow. That makes his 2026 campaign even more impressive. While relievers are volatile, having some continuity in the bullpen is important, and Lavender can provide that.
Incomplete Grades
The following rookies did not play enough in 2026 to receive a grade, but they are worth analyzing for their future potential.
Jonah Tong
Jonah Tong started slowly in the minors but rebounded in July and August, earning a longer stay in the majors in September. His final four appearances were starts, the best being against the Baltimore Orioles on September 14, when he pitched six scoreless innings. Mets manager Andy Green commented on Tong's chances of making the 2027 roster: "His job is to make it so freaking obvious to us that he deserves to be here that we can't make those type of decisions when he competes in spring training." Green has been clear with young players: perform, and you'll play. Tong could significantly improve his standing with a consistent start to next season.
Nick Morabito
Nick Morabito has the potential to complete the Mets' young outfield when Juan Soto eventually transitions to DH. He climbed MLB.com's Mets prospect rankings from 18th in 2025 to 12th in 2026. He struggled in a brief big-league stint, batting .195 in 19 games, but showed flashes in Triple-A with 13 home runs in 114 games. His most appealing asset is his speed; he stole 42 bases last year and 49 at Double-A in 2025. If he improves his hitting, he could join one of the fastest outfields in baseball.
Dylan Ross
Dylan Ross's career has been plagued by injuries. He has had two UCL surgeries and pitched only 11.2 innings between 2021 and 2024. He bounced back in 2025 with a 2.17 ERA across three levels. He possesses a fastball that sits in the mid-90s and has touched 102 mph, so the talent is evident; health is the only concern. In 2026, he struggled in the minors but received a September call-up and pitched a scoreless inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on September 1. Barring an outstanding spring training, Ross will need to show more consistency in the minors, as he did in 2025.
Matt Seelinger
Matt Seelinger's path to the majors was long and winding, but he achieved his dream and made history as the only big leaguer from Farmingdale State College. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2017, he spent nine years pursuing his goal, including a stint with the Long Island Ducks in 2024. While he struggled in his debut, allowing seven earned runs, his grit and determination are commendable.
Other incomplete grades include Jefry Yan, Jack Weisenburger, Jonathan Pintaro, Chayce McDermott, and Justin Hagenman. With overwhelmingly positive grades, the Mets' young core bodes well for future success. Additionally, players like Jefferson Rojas, Jonathan Santucci, and Elian Peña are waiting in the wings and could make an impact soon.
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Anthony Walsh is a writer for Mets On SI, with experience covering the team for Last Word On Sports and The Lead. He is a graduate of Montclair State University with a Bachelor's degree in Sports Communication. Anthony has also interviewed baseball figures in his time with WMSC Radio, as well as covered Division III sports at The Montclarion. Follow Anthonywalsh04.