Mets' Jonah Tong Makes Strong Claim About A.J. Ewing and Carson Benge
The New York Mets' youth movement continues to show promise.
In Wednesday night's 4-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, Mets rookies Carson Benge, A.J. Ewing, and Jonah Tong all played key roles. The win snapped New York's five-game losing streak and offered a glimpse into what the organization hopes will become its future core.
Benge went 2-of-4 with consecutive two-out RBI singles that extended the Mets' lead each time. Although Ewing finished 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, he impressed defensively in center field to help limit damage.
Carson Benge worked an eight-pitch at-bat before his RBI single pic.twitter.com/BjDSnaOBaZ
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) May 28, 2026
Meanwhile, Tong tossed 3.2 innings and allowed just one unearned run, which came after his own throwing error in the third inning. Despite issuing four walks, Tong repeatedly worked out of trouble and provided valuable bulk innings behind opener Huascar Brazobán.
Jonah Tong Believes A.J. Ewing and Carson Benge Are Here to Stay
Following the win, Tong highly praised the pair of rookie outfielders.
"I don't even think you guys have seen the half of it yet," Tong said. "They're going to be staples in New York for a very long time."
"I don't even think you guys have seen the half of it yet...they're going to be staples in New York for a very long time"
— SNY (@SNYtv) May 28, 2026
Jonah Tong talks about playing with A.J. Ewing, Carson Benge and the Mets' younger players: pic.twitter.com/myDSFcvsWX
In what has been a disappointing season for New York, the team's youngsters have provided a much-needed spark.
Benge made the Mets' Opening Day roster, but struggled badly to begin the season. Through April 22, the 23-year-old was slashing an underwhelming .136/.219/.197. His abysmal start created skepticism about whether he belonged in the majors or needed more time at Triple-A Syracuse.
Yet the Mets remained patient and confident in Benge, and he has since rewarded that confidence. Over his last 32 games, Benge is hitting .308 with two home runs and 17 RBIs. On the season, he owns a .247/.310/.333 slash line with three home runs and 20 RBIs.
As for Ewing, he essentially forced his way onto the major league roster.
The 21-year-old opened the season at Double-A Binghamton and dominated. He posted a monster .349/.481/.571 slash line with two home runs, seven RBIs, and 12 stolen bases in just 18 games. He also walked 17 times compared to only 15 strikeouts.
That production earned him a promotion to Triple-A Syracuse. There, he continued to impress by hitting .326 with four RBIs and five stolen bases in 12 games.
On May 12, the Mets called up Ewing in hopes of giving life to their struggling offense. He immediately did just that. In his MLB debut against the Detroit Tigers, Ewing reached base four times, drawing three walks and hitting an RBI triple.
Since arriving in Queens, Ewing is slashing .250/.350/.346 with one home run and four RBIs.
He is poised to be the Mets' long-term center fielder, especially after Luis Robert Jr. was transferred to the 60-day injured list Tuesday with a lumbar spine disc herniation. Robert has not played since April 26.
Tong, meanwhile, appears likely to remain with New York after being called up May 22. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said the team plans to use the right-hander in multiple roles moving forward.
"We're going to need him," Mendoza emphasized. "We'll continue to get creative -- whether it's using him as the opener, as a bulk guy, we're going to have some off days coming up, so there's a lot of different ways we can go."
In 6.2 innings this season, Tong has yet to allow an earned run. He is holding opponents to a .130 batting average. However, command remains an area for improvement as he has issued five walks while striking out only three batters.
The Mets enter today's off day at 23-33, last in the NL East. New York will resume its homestand Friday against the Miami Marlins, who swept the Mets last week.
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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 10:49 AM.