# Why Carson Benge Should Win NL Rookie of the Year

> Mets rookie Carson Benge earned more votes than Stewart for NL Rookie of the Year despite slower start.
- Title: Why Carson Benge Should Win NL Rookie of the Year | Shortify
- Summary: Mets rookie Carson Benge earned more votes than Stewart for NL Rookie of the Year despite slower start.
- Keywords: carson benge, mets, nl rookie of the year, sal stewart, baseball writers association of america, mlb, rookie of the year, carson benge 2026, Yahoo Sports
- Source: Yahoo Sports — https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-believe-carson-benge-won-010530526.html
- Published: 2026-11-10T01:05:30+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: carson benge, mets, nl rookie of the year, sal stewart, baseball writers association of america, mlb, rookie of the year, carson benge 2026, sports
## Rookie of the Year Race
The National League Rookie of the Year race featured five candidates including Sal Stewart, Carson Benge, Nolan McLean, JJ Wetherholt, and TJ Rumfield.
## Stewart Wins Award
Sal Stewart won the NL Rookie of the Year with 32 home runs, 112 RBI, 87 runs, a .787 OPS, 25 doubles, and 15 stolen bases.
## Benge's Voting Position
Carson Benge received seven first-place votes, three second-place votes, and 12 third-place designations in the NL Rookie of the Year race.
## Early Season Struggles
Benge started the season with a .189 batting average and .525 OPS through April before improving to a .299/.363/.457 slash line in the final five months.
## Offensive and Defensive Strength
Benge led all rookies with 168 hits, second in batting average (.282), and third in home runs (20) and RBI (65) while also earning NL Gold Glove consideration.
## Benge's Case for Award
Benge's strong all-around performance earned him more votes than Stewart despite a slower start, making him the deserving NL Rookie of the Year candidate.
## Key takeaway

Carson Benge deserved NL Rookie of the Year after strong offensive and defensive performance throughout the 2026 season.