If Carson Benge becomes the Mets’ third National League Rookie of the Year recipient in the 21st century, it will be because his strong finish to this season helped him surpass the perceived front-runner, Reds first baseman Sal Stewart.

Before concluding his season on Sunday, Benge was certainly aware of his chief competition for the award.

“I don’t know [Stewart], but he seems like a great dude,” Benge said. “He’s a Jesus man, which I love. He seems like a great person. But I feel like I would be deserving of the award in the most humble way possible. I don’t mean to come off cocky.”

Aside from Stewart, the 23-year-old outfielder faces competition in his own clubhouse from Nolan McLean. The Cardinals’ JJ Wetherholt also had an impressive rookie year, but a late-season injury may have hurt his chances.