New York Mets Joel Sherman The historic rookie silver lining in this lost Mets season By Joel Sherman Published Aug. 18, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET Carson Benge hits a double against the Braves on Aug. 12, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect In a disappointing season, here is a glimmer of positivity for the Mets in the present and very possibly the future: They have a rookie class that should be in the conversation for their best ever.
— In 1965, Bud Harrelson, Tug McGraw and Ron Swoboda all made their debuts, plus Cleon Jones still qualified as a rookie.
— In 1967, Tom Seaver won the Mets’ first NL Rookie of the Year award, Jerry Koosman debuted (he would finish second for Rookie of the Year the following season) and that duo would be the Nos. 1-2 pitchers for the Mets’ 1969 championship.
