Carson Benge made a splash in spring training on Wednesday, shaking off a slow start with three hits that caught the attention of the New York Mets. With a chopper to the left, a liner to the opposite field, and a grounder that snuck past the second baseman, Benge showcased his potential to secure a spot on the Mets' roster. These hits are crucial as he eyes the role of starting right fielder for the upcoming season.
While these moments might not enter Mets' spring training folklore like some past memorable feats, they offer a glimpse into Benge's capabilities at the plate. If he makes the team, he could find himself batting lower in the order, but his performance hints at more significant opportunities.
Benge possesses many attributes desirable in a leadoff hitter. His power is still developing-he hit 15 home runs last year across 519 plate appearances.
Though not yet a slugger like Pete Alonso, his ability to hit over .300 in both Brooklyn and Binghamton during his first full professional season is impressive. The challenge of hitting homers as a lefty in Brooklyn's tough ballpark cannot be overstated.
Speed is another weapon in Benge's arsenal, as evidenced by his 22 stolen bases last year, a significant improvement from his college days. His .280/.389/.468 slash line since joining the Mets highlights his knack for making contact, drawing walks, and causing chaos on the bases-traits you'd want in a leadoff hitter.
Francisco Lindor's move up in the lineup in 2024 was pivotal for the Mets, and while batting in front of a player like Juan Soto helped, Lindor's power and diminishing speed suggest a shift to the middle of the order could be more fitting. Benge, meanwhile, needs to prove himself to secure a prominent spot.
The Mets, by batting Benge in front of Soto, offered a sneak peek into a possible future lineup. With Lindor, Soto, and Benge's potential, the order could be flexible, perhaps featuring Benge-Lindor-Soto to break up the lefties.
If Benge lives up to expectations, he could play a significant role by 2027. While he might start lower in the lineup, his attributes make him an ideal leadoff hitter. However, there's one area he needs to improve: avoiding the one thing leadoff hitters should do as little as possible.