What happened: Benge finished 156 games with 168 hits, 20 homers and 22 steals. McLean totaled 179.2 innings across 31 starts with a 3.16 ERA and 194 strikeouts. Tong added 27 strikeouts in 20.2 September innings with a 3.92 ERA.
Why it matters: Benge became the 18th rookie in MLB history with a 20-20 season and set the Mets rookie hits record. His 4.1 fWAR tops Mets rookies since Pete Alonso in 2019, locking in a long-term roster spot. McLean missed the sub-3.00 ERA and 200-strikeout marks but established himself as the rotation anchor.
By the numbers: McLean: 31 GS, 179.2 IP, 3.16 ERA, 194 K, 70 BB. Benge: 156 G, .277/.336/.421, 20 HR, 22 SB, 118 wRC+. Tong MLB: 7 G, 30.2 IP, 3.82 ERA, 34 K; September: 4 GS, 20.2 IP, 3.92 ERA, 27 K, 7 BB.
What to watch: Rookie of the Year voting will settle the Benge and McLean cases. Tong heads into offseason development after an uneven first extended MLB look.