Carson Benge’s arm powers Mets over Padres

Carson Benge’s right-arm defense was the star in a 2-1 Mets win over the Padres, throwing out two runners at home in the first inning and a later out at the plate to preserve the lead. His fast, accurate throws—including a 103.9 mph play to deny Manny Machado—have put him squarely in the NL Rookie of the Year conversation and as a potential Gold Glove candidate, with his arm metrics ranking in the top percentiles. The Mets benefited from a first-inning scoring burst and solid pitching as they held on, aided by Benge’s gun-like plays in right field. Statcast measures pegged his two consecutive outfield assists at elite speeds, underscoring the impact of his arm on the game. The team’s defense made history by becoming the first since at least 1906 to throw out three runners at home within the first two innings. Outside observers, including NFL insider Ian Rapoport, highlighted Benge’s breakout promise, signaling him as a bright spot for the 2026 Mets.