Mets Announce Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Year!
The New York Mets have officially announced their 2025 Player Development Award winners, recognizing outstanding performances throughout their minor league system. This year's honorees are outfielder Carson Benge, named Player of the Year, and right-handed pitcher Jonah Tong, awarded Pitcher of the Year. The awards highlight the exceptional talent brewing within the Mets organization.
Carson Benge: A Rising Star
Carson Benge, a top prospect for the Mets, has had a phenomenal season, rapidly ascending through the minor league ranks. Starting with High-A Brooklyn, Benge quickly proved his mettle, boasting an impressive .302/.417/.480 slash line in 60 games. His performance earned him a promotion to Double-A Binghamton, where he continued to shine, even being named Eastern League Player of the Month for July. Benge's journey culminated in a promotion to Triple-A Syracuse, showcasing his adaptability and potential.
Despite a slow start in Syracuse, the Mets remain highly optimistic about Benge's future. His overall season stats are a testament to his hard work and dedication, with a .279/.380/.460 batting average, 25 doubles, 6 triples, and 13 home runs across 110 games. He was also named the organization’s Minor League Player of the Year. He even crushed a solo homer in Syracuse’s playoff victory over the Leigh Valley IronPigs.
Jonah Tong: Dominating on the Mound
Jonah Tong, another highly-regarded prospect, has been equally impressive on the pitching side. Beginning the season with Double-A Binghamton, Tong dominated opposing hitters with a stellar 1.59 ERA over 102 innings. His remarkable strikeout numbers, totaling 162, led the Eastern League by a significant margin, even after his promotion to Triple-A Syracuse in mid-August. Tong's performance solidified his status as the Mets' Pitcher of the Year.
Future is Bright
The recognition of Carson Benge and Jonah Tong as the Mets' Player and Pitcher of the Year underscores the organization's commitment to developing young talent. With both players projected to potentially debut in the major leagues in the coming years, Mets fans have plenty to look forward to. Their success is a testament to their hard work and the quality of the Mets' player development system.