Spring is in the air at Clover Park, and while the palm trees and Florida sunshine are familiar, the roster at the New York Mets spring training home feels brand new. With the 2026 season officially underway, the focus in Port St. Lucie has shifted from veteran stopgaps to a wave of high-ceiling homegrown talent.
1. Carson Benge (OF) – The Five-Tool Frontrunner
The #15 ranked prospect in baseball (per ESPN) isn’t just visiting PSL—he’s competing for an Opening Day roster spot.
The Skinny: After a massive 2025 where he swiped 22 bases and flashed 60-grade power, Benge is the heavy favorite to start in Left Field alongside Juan Soto and Luis Robert Jr. * Watch For: His elite swing decisions. Benge rarely chases, making him the perfect “Nimmo-esque” spark plug for the 2026 lineup.
2. Jonah Tong (RHP) – “The Canadian Cannon”
Jonah Tong’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. After striking out nearly 15 batters per nine innings in the minors last year, he’s already refining his delivery at big-league camp.
The Skinny: Though he may start the year in Triple-A Syracuse to polish his command, his high-octane fastball and “trademark” delivery are the talk of the backfields.
Watch For: That “invisible” rising heater that left big-league hitters baffled during his late-2025 debut.
3. Nolan McLean (RHP/DH) – The Two-Way Dazzler
ranked as the Mets’ #13 overall prospect, McLean is proving that the “Ohtani-style” two-way player isn’t just a West Coast phenomenon.
The Skinny: McLean dazzled in his MLB debut last season with a 2.06 ERA. In 2026, he’s expected to be a pillar of the rotation while occasionally providing moonshot power from the DH spot.
Watch For: A 100+ mph fastball paired with light-tower power during batting practice.
4. A.J. Ewing (OF) – The Speed Demon
If you like “small ball,” A.J. Ewing is your new favorite player. After a breakout 2025 that saw him swipe a staggering 70 bases, he is the most electric athlete in camp.
The Skinny: Moving quickly through the system, Ewing finished last year in Double-A. He’s in PSL to prove his .830 OPS can hold up against veteran Grapefruit League pitching.
Watch For: Any ball hit into the gap. If it hits the grass, Ewing is looking for third base.
5. Christian Scott (RHP) – The “Wild Card” Comeback
After missing 2025 due to Tommy John surgery, the former top pitching prospect is back in full force for 2026.
The Skinny: President of Baseball Operations David Stearns has already stated that Scott will play a “meaningful role” this year. While he might start in the minors to manage his innings, his pinpoint command is already back on display.
Watch For: His surgical precision. Scott doesn’t just throw strikes; he paints corners.
Conclusion: The Future is Port St. Lucie
The 2026 Mets aren’t just a team; they are a glimpse into a sustainable, talent-rich future. While the blockbuster trades for stars like Freddy Peralta have stabilized the rotation, the energy at Clover Park is being driven by the kids. Whether it’s Benge’s bat or Tong’s arm, the road to a World Series in Queens starts right here on University Blvd.