Trending Now - Mets Select Rookie Carson Benge as Opening Day Right Fielder
WHO:
Carson Benge, 23-year-old rookie, New York Mets, manager Carlos Mendoza, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, hitting coach Troy Snitker.
Carson Benge, 23-year-old rookie, New York Mets, manager Carlos Mendoza, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, Juan Soto, Luis Robert Jr., Mike Tauchman, Nolan McLean, Brandon Nimmo, Kyle Tucker, MJ Melendez.
WHAT:
Benge was the 19th overall pick in the 2024 Draft.
Benge hit .280/.389/.468 with 17 home runs and 25 stolen bases in 131 Minor League games.
Benge had a .583 OPS with three home runs in 103 plate appearances at Triple-A Syracuse.
Benge stated, "Joy over everything, just knowing that I worked hard for it," in reaction to making the team.
Carson Benge has made the Mets’ Opening Day roster as the starting right fielder.
Benge batted .366/.435/.439 with a double, a triple, and a stolen base over 46 spring plate appearances.
Benge was the No. 2 prospect in the Mets organization and the No. 16 prospect in baseball.
Benge hit .281 with 15 home runs, 22 stolen bases, and an .857 OPS in 116 games during the 2025 season.
Benge will start in the eight hole in the lineup.
Mike Tauchman tore the meniscus in his left knee, ending his bid for the roster spot.
Benge is the highest-ranked Mets prospect to debut since Francisco Alvarez in 2022.
WHERE:
Citi Field, New York; Port St. Lucie, Florida; Grapefruit League.
WHEN:
The announcement was made on Monday, March 23rd, 2026.
The Mets' regular season begins on Thursday, March 26th, 2026, against the Pittsburgh Pirates at 1:15 p.m.
WHY:
The Mets traded outfielder Brandon Nimmo and failed to sign right fielder Kyle Tucker, creating an opportunity for Benge.
Benge earned his spot on the roster after a strong spring training and due to injuries to other players, specifically Tauchman.
The Mets did not significantly address their corner outfield situation during the offseason, creating an opportunity for Benge.
HOW:
Benge demonstrated an elite two-strike approach and strong defense in right field during spring training.
Benge demonstrated strong performance in spring training, batting .417 after an initial 0-for-5 start.
The Mets moved Juan Soto to left field to accommodate Benge's superior throwing arm.
(UPDATED March 24, 2026 05:40 UTC)
In a significant move for the New York Mets, 23-year-old rookie Carson Benge has made the team after being the 19th overall pick in the 2024 Draft. Benge, who impressed with a .280 batting average and 17 home runs in the Minor Leagues, expressed his joy at the achievement, saying, "Joy over everything, just knowing that I worked hard for it." His strong performance during spring training, highlighted by an elite two-strike approach and solid defense in right field, came after the Mets traded outfielder Brandon Nimmo and missed out on signing Kyle Tucker, creating this opportunity for him.
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(UPDATED March 23, 2026 23:42 UTC)
In a significant development for the New York Mets, 23-year-old rookie Carson Benge has officially made the Opening Day roster as the starting right fielder, following an impressive spring training where he batted .366 with a double, a triple, and a stolen base. Benge, who was the No. 2 prospect in the Mets organization and the No. 16 prospect in baseball, will start in the eight hole in the lineup, especially after Mike Tauchman suffered a meniscus tear that ended his bid for a roster spot. The Mets' regular season kicks off this Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at 1:15 p.m. at Citi Field.