AJ Ewing and Carson Benge continue to have notable seasons, yet both rookie outfielders face their share of challenges in the majors.
As of Friday, Ewing recorded 14 strikeouts over his last seven games, marking the highest strikeout total for that span this season.
Benge isn’t far behind, having accumulated 11 strikeouts in the same timeframe, also setting a rookie high for a seven-game stretch.
“It’s not surprising,” commented a National League scout after observing them post-All-Star break. “Pitchers are catching on, but I think it’s more about the fatigue that comes with a long season.”
Ewing currently holds the highest strikeout rate (27.1 percent) among all Mets in the active lineup.
Turning 22 next month, Ewing had over 100 strikeouts in each of his two full seasons in the minors prior to joining the Mets in May.
“Honestly, no one predicted he’d rise to this level so quickly,” the scout added. “I’m not too concerned; I believe this rate will decrease as he gains confidence in this setting.”
Scouts’ worries seem more about the atmosphere at Citi Field rather than the two rookie outfielders themselves.
“It’s going to be challenging for everyone if the situation deteriorates further, but they’ve handled it well so far,” the scout mentioned ahead of the August 3 trade deadline.
Juan Soto took a day off in Milwaukee to rest his calf and is set to return on Friday after missing the first game post-All-Star break on July 16.
Since coming back from a left calf strain—different from the right one he injured in April—Soto has managed two hits in 16 at-bats, lacking any extra-base hits, with three walks and five strikeouts to date.
For much of the season, Soto has been a steady presence in the Mets lineup, boasting a .944 OPS, which ranks fourth in the majors.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Mets find themselves leaning toward a selling strategy.
Despite having Thursday off, the Mets made a noteworthy move, as Clay Holmes embarked on his first rehab stint at Triple-A Syracuse.
The right-handed pitcher started the season strongly, with a 1.86 ERA in his first eight outings, but spent two months sidelined due to a fractured right fibula.
Holmes managed to maintain some arm strength and threw 45 pitches in a simulated game on Saturday.
“If he shows even a glimpse of his pre-injury performance by the deadline, expect significant interest,” an American League scout remarked about the Mets.
