Miami – Mets’ Game 51 and Kid’s Night

Friday marked Game 51 for the Mets, but in a fun twist, it was also kids night.

What makes this special? For the first time, the all-rookie outfield of Carson Benge, AJ Ewing, and Nick Morabito took the field together in the starting lineup. They’ve never had the chance to start in the same outfield at any level before.

In the game, which the Mets lost 2-1, the trio combined for just one hit out of nine at-bats, with Ewing managing a single against the Marlins. He was the only player apart from Juan Soto to register a hit.

But there was a positive note as Morabito’s diving catch in the fifth inning helped stave off a run.

From left to right, the lineup featured Morabito, Ewing, and Benge. It’s a surprising sight so early in the season, especially considering the Mets kicked off spring training in February.

Manager Carlos Mendoza likely didn’t foresee this either.

“I doubt anyone thought we’d see this,” Mendoza said prior to the game. “But it’s exciting, and these guys are earning their spots.”

The Mets have found themselves in a challenging position, missing key players like Francisco Lindor, Jorge Polanco, and Luis Robert Jr. Benge began the season with the team, Ewing joined about a week and a half ago, and Morabito was promoted recently.

All three add a youthful energy to the Mets’ clubhouse.

“They’re incredible,” remarked Tyrone Taylor. “I feel like the new generation is just built differently.”

When asked about how this new wave differs, he shared his thoughts.

“They have the skills for sure, but what’s really interesting is their mindset and approach to the game,” Taylor noted. “They don’t seem rattled in these moments.”

Benge, 23, has a batting average of .262/.316/.360, with three home runs and eight stolen bases. Despite a slow start, he delivered the best offensive performance on the team in May.

His OPS for May was .859, but defensively he showed some inconsistency at last weekend’s Subway Series, with notable mistakes including a dropped fly ball.

“He’s a strong hitter,” Morabito commented. “His discipline at the plate is elite; he can make an impact. He’s a great defender, too.”

Ewing, 21, has a .276/.432/.448 line, including one home run and two stolen bases in ten games.

“What stands out is his plate discipline and obviously his speed,” said Morabito. “Speed has a big impact here.”

He added, “I loved playing alongside him and watching him evolve as a player.”

The two rookies previously played together in Triple-A Syracuse for two months, while Morabito was with Benge last season in Double-A Binghamton.

Ewing and Benge were teammates at Single-A Brooklyn and again in Double-A Binghamton.

Morabito, who made his big-league debut on Tuesday, adapted quickly.

“It’s awesome,” Ewing said. “The players were incredibly supportive, and it seems like he’s found his comfort zone. He plays hard.”

Mendoza does have other outfield choices, including using Juan Soto in left field, which could allow him to use Soto as a designated hitter with three rookies on the roster. Another strong option is Taylor, who is also an outfielder.

As the Mets attempt to recover from a rough start, with a record of 22-28 after splitting four games in Washington, the focus remains on the rookies. They are drawing attention as the team tries to climb out of the hole they created early in the season.

“All three of them have immense potential, and the future looks bright for the Mets,” Taylor stated. “Fans are definitely feeling the excitement.”