Juan Soto is poised to be a standout, but the intrigue lies in what unfolds around him, making the Mets' outfield a captivating storyline this season.
On Opening Day, the Mets' outfield made a significant impact. Soto, Robert, and Benge combined for a solid 5-for-11, contributing a homer, four walks, four RBIs, and four runs in an 11-7 victory over the Pirates.
Here's how they fared:
- Soto: 2-for-4, 1 BB, 1 RBI, 1 R
- Robert: 2-for-4, 1 BB, 2 RBI, 1 R
- Benge: 1-for-3, 1 HR, 2 BB, 1 RBI, 2 R
Despite this strong start, questions linger. Benge, ranked as MLB Pipeline's No. 16 prospect, has limited experience with only 131 Minor League games, including 24 at Triple-A. Robert, plagued by injuries and consistency issues, posted just 1.9 WAR over the past two years.
The outfield lacks the certainty it might have had with players like Nimmo or Kyle Tucker. This setup could either falter or flourish into one of the league's best. Here's how that could happen:
Soto is laser-focused on capturing the MVP title from Shohei Ohtani. Even if he replicates his 2025 performance-.263/.396/.525 with 43 homers, 38 steals, and 5.8 WAR-he'll be a cornerstone for the Mets. FanGraphs projects him at 6.1 WAR, placing him among the elite, just behind Aaron Judge.
Robert, once a top prospect, has struggled to meet expectations due to injuries and plate inconsistencies. However, his 2023 stats-38 homers, 20 steals, an .857 OPS, and 4.9 WAR-show his potential when healthy. With impressive metrics in bat speed, sprint speed, and defense, a fresh start could reignite his career, bolstering the Mets' outfield.
Benge remains a bit of a mystery, but the Mets see potential. Drawing parallels with the Padres' success with Jackson Merrill, who thrived after a similar uncertain start, Benge could follow suit. If he and Robert hit their strides, the Mets' outfield could exceed expectations.
The Mets are starting the season with a projected outfield fWAR of 9.7, but if Robert and Benge elevate their games, that number could soar. With Soto leading the charge, the Mets are optimistic about what they witnessed on Day 1.