Mets prospect Carson Benge captures roster spot with eye-opening spring
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- New York Mets rookie outfielder Carson Benge earned a spot on the Opening Day roster and will start in right field, marking his major-league debut on Thursday.
- Benge, the Mets’ top position player prospect, impressed during spring training with a .366/.435/.439 slash line in 46 plate appearances, showing strong contact skills and defensive ability.
- The Mets restructured their outfield this offseason, trading Brandon Nimmo and shifting Juan Soto to left field, creating an opportunity for Benge after failing to sign Kyle Tucker.
- Benge is ranked as the No. 18 prospect in baseball by The Athletic’s Keith Law and had a strong 2024 minor league season with a .857 OPS, 15 home runs, and 22 stolen bases across three levels.
- An injury to outfielder Mike Tauchman further solidified Benge’s role on the team, as the Mets look to integrate young talent while aiming to return to the playoffs after a disappointing 2025.
