Energy in the Mets’ outfield has taken on a personality of its own, and the clubhouse now has a name for it — “psychopaths.”
The nickname started after a fearless defensive sequence at Citi Field and quickly became part of the conversation surrounding rookies A.J. Ewing and Carson Benge. What began as a dugout joke now reflects the aggressive, all-out style both players bring to every inning.
The moment that sparked the label came during last Saturday’s game against Miami. Carson Benge chased down a deep drive from Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers, stole an extra-base hit, slammed into the right-center-field wall, and stretched across the warning track after securing the catch. While heading back to the dugout, Ewing reportedly turned to Juan Soto and said, “Yo, that was psycho.”
One day later, Soto shared the story publicly and explained that both young outfielders regularly call each other “psychopaths” because of the way they attack plays on defense.
“I’m like, ‘Yeah, you are,’” Soto joked.
Fearless Style Defines the Mets’ Young Outfield
Inside the Mets clubhouse, the word carries a positive meaning. A “psychopathic” outfielder is viewed as someone willing to sprint full speed, dive into impossible angles, and crash into walls if it means saving a run.
Benge described the mentality in simple terms.
“I feel like it’s just trying to make every play, whether that be running through a wall or standing easily,” Benge said. “Either way, I just want to make every play and not really care too much what happens to my body.”
That attitude has translated directly onto the field. Entering Wednesday’s action, Benge and Ewing ranked among the few healthy Mets regulars posting positive Outs Above Average numbers. Catcher Luis Torrens was the only other player in that group.
Benge has already built a reputation for turning difficult catches into routine highlights since arriving on Opening Day. The robbery against Stowers added another entry to a growing collection of defensive plays that continue to grab attention across the league.
Ewing has matched that intensity with several standout moments of his own. During Monday’s game, he made diving catches to take hits away from both Cole Young and J.P. Crawford. One day earlier, he crashed directly into the Citi Field fence after another difficult grab. Veteran broadcaster Howie Rose even compared Ewing’s style to former Mets star Lenny Dykstra.
“I take a lot of pride in being able to play that way,” Ewing said. “Whether that’s in the box, on defense, running the bases, you’ve got to bring it all 100 percent of the time.”
Who Is the Bigger “Psycho”?
The debate between the two teammates has become part of the entertainment around the Mets’ young core.
“Depends on the day,” Benge said when asked which player deserves the title more.
Ewing quickly added another layer to the conversation.
“It depends on what you’re talking about, too,” Ewing said while joking with his teammate. “I would say in real-life scenarios, you’ve probably got the nod on that.”
The answer changed once baseball entered the discussion. Both players agreed Ewing may hold the edge because of his unusual habit of crashing into fences — even before games begin.
Before Monday’s series opener in Seattle, Ewing chased a deep fly ball during batting practice off the bat of Bo Bichette. Instead of letting the meaningless ball go, he sprinted backward, secured the catch, and slammed into the wall hard enough for his cap and sunglasses to fly off.
“Bo hit the ball, I was like, ‘I need this one,’” Ewing said. “I don’t know why.”
That response summed up the Mets’ new outfield identity perfectly — fearless, relentless, and completely committed to every single play.
The Mets’ young outfield trio has turned hustle and defensive aggression into a defining trait. Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing continue to play with a level of intensity that stands out in every game, while Juan Soto has helped spotlight the chemistry forming between them.
The “psychopath” nickname may sound unusual, but inside the clubhouse it represents effort, fearlessness, and a refusal to take any play off.
