Mets phenom Carson Benge to start in right field
New York Mets potential Carson Benge will probably be on the crew’s Opening Day roster because the beginning right fielder, supervisor Carlos Mendoza informed reporters Monday.
Benge, a first-round decide in 2024, reported to spring coaching with an actual shot to make the roster after impressing the group in his first full skilled season in 2025, batting .281 with 15 house runs, 22 steals and an .857 OPS in 116 video games throughout three ranges. The left-handed hitter then shined in Grapefruit League play with a .366 batting common and an .874 OPS in 46 plate appearances.
“Joy over everything, I would say. Just knowing that I worked hard for it. Countless hours I spent, and all my family members and friends that have sacrificed some time for me, and that it’s all going to come true — my dream since I was little — is pretty cool,” Benge informed reporters earlier than the Mets broke camp in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
“It’s going to be surreal. I’m going to try my best to take it in. But, stay calm and play my game.”
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns sang Benge’s praises all offseason, indicating that he would have the chance to make the crew out of spring coaching. The Mets, nonetheless, weren’t positive the place Benge, 23, would match with two beginning outfield spots open throughout the winter after buying and selling left fielder Brandon Nimmo.
The membership tried to signal right fielder Kyle Tuckerthe highest participant on the free agent market, and made a aggressive provide, however he selected the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Mets then pivoted to buying middle fielder Luis Robert Jr.. from the Chicago White Sox and selected to transfer Juan Soto from right field to left field, creating a possibility for Benge, who has performed all three outfield spots in the minors, in right field.
Mets officers maintained that it was a contest for the beginning job between Benge, Mike Tauchman and MJ Melendezhowever Benge appeared to have the within monitor. That was solidified when Melendez was optioned to Triple-A final week and Tauchman tore the meniscus in his left knee over the weekend, clearing the trail for Benge.
“It’s a big day for the organization. A kid who gets drafted in 2024 and two years later, here we are, giving him the news that he’s going to be playing in the big leagues for us,” Mendoza mentioned. “He earned it. He had a hell of a camp. We are all excited to watch this kid play.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
