Mets’ Carson Benge feels like he’s close to breaking out: Here’s why he’s right
Apr 11, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets left fielder Carson Benge (3) celebrates within the dugout together with his teammates after scoring a run within the sixth inning towards the Athletics at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
QUEENS, NY— This in all probability is just not how Carson Benge drew up his first month within the majors.
The 23-year-old right fielder — who shot via the Mets’ minor-league ranks final season to the tune of a .281 common, .857 OPS, 15 dwelling runs, and 73 RBI in 116 video games — has but to discover his offensive stride within the massive leagues. Entering Wednesday night time’s center sport towards the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field, he’s 9-for-66 (.136) on the season with a .416 OPS.
Everything else has come as marketed. He leads the Mets with six stolen bases, and his protection is properly above common. His outs above common (vary) ranks in MLB’s 87th percentileand his arm power is within the ninety fifth.
“It definitely hasn’t been perfect,” Benge instructed amNewYork. “There’s definitely things to work on. But I trust in my ability to be able to adapt and overcome whatever may happen. So I feel like I’ll be in a good position.”
The Oklahoma State product implored that he felt like his offensive breakout “is close,” even when the outcomes haven’t steered that. But what made Benge such a can’t-miss prospect is beginning to present on the dish. His 4.27 pitches seen per plate look ranks twenty fourth amongst all MLB hitters with not less than 70 plate appearances this season.
His bat velocity is growing, with a 0-for-3 efficiency in Tuesday night time’s loss that includes swings of 76 and 75 mph on balls put in play, which was noticeably above his season common of 71 mph. He had the hardest-hit ball in play when he smacked a 108.6 mph grounder to shortstop. It was considered one of two balls he put in play at over 100 mph — the opposite being a 102.2 mph grounder that additionally discovered the glove of Twins shortstop Brooks Lee.
He additionally turned on a full-count Simeon Woods Richardson fastball and despatched it 321 toes to the warning monitor in right subject within the fourth inning.
“I definitely believe in myself and definitely know that everyone here believes in me,” Benge stated. “So that’s all you really need. Just knowing myself and knowing that I have it, and knowing I can do it. It feels like it’s close.”
