Mets' Carson Benge Named Opening Day Right Fielder
Carson Benge will start as the Mets' right fielder on Opening Day. The 23-year-old impressed during spring training and earned his spot on the roster.
New York Mets prospect Carson Benge has secured a position on the team's Opening Day roster as the starting right fielder, according to manager Carlos Mendoza's announcement to reporters on Monday.
Benge, who was a first-round draft pick in 2024, entered spring training with a strong chance of making the team after an impressive first full professional season in 2025. During that season, he posted a .281 batting average, hit 15 home runs, stole 22 bases, and achieved an .857 OPS across 116 games at three different levels.
In Grapefruit League play, the left-handed hitter continued to impress, achieving a .366 batting average and an .874 OPS in 46 plate appearances. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns praised Benge throughout the offseason, suggesting he would have a real opportunity to join the team.
Despite uncertainty about Benge's fit on the team due to two starting outfield spots being open after the trade of left fielder Brandon Nimmo, the Mets had initially pursued top free agent Kyle Tucker. However, after Tucker opted to join the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Mets acquired center fielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox. This led to Juan Soto being moved from right field to left field, creating a chance for Benge to step into the right field position.
While the Mets indicated a competition for the starting role among Benge, Mike Tauchman, and MJ Melendez, Benge appeared to be the frontrunner. This was further confirmed when Melendez was optioned to Triple-A last week and Tauchman suffered a meniscus tear in his left knee over the weekend, clearing the way for Benge's promotion.