The Mets made waves this offseason by swinging a bold trade for Luis Robert Jr.-a move that signals they’re not just thinking about competing, they’re thinking about contending. Robert brings star power and elite upside to center field, but while all eyes are on the new arrival from Chicago, something intriguing is brewing quietly in Port St. Lucie.
Down on the backfields, outfielder Carson Benge is already grinding through early workouts, well ahead of schedule. He’s not there for the scenery. The 23-year-old top prospect has one thing on his mind: making the Opening Day roster-and he’s not just dreaming it, he’s working like a guy who believes he belongs.
The Robert Trade Isn’t a Roadblock-It’s a Signal
David Stearns didn’t bring in Robert Jr. to block the next wave of talent; he brought him in to raise the bar. And with center field now spoken for, left field is wide open. That’s where Benge sees his opportunity-and he’s got every reason to believe he can seize it.
Yes, the final stat line from his brief stint in Triple-A last year might raise an eyebrow. In 24 games with Syracuse, Benge hit just .178 with a 53 wRC+.
But context matters. That stretch was a small sample size, and judging a prospect off a few weeks at a new level-especially at the tail end of a long season-is a trap even seasoned evaluators try to avoid.
The Real Benge Was on Display in Double-A
To understand what Benge brings to the table, look at what he did in Double-A Binghamton. There, he was nothing short of dominant.
He slashed .317/.407/.571 with a strikeout rate under 16% and a walk rate north of 12%. That’s not just good-it’s mature, advanced plate discipline that suggests he’s more than just a tools guy.
He posted a 184 wRC+ in that span, a number that puts him in elite territory, and he did it with a balanced, all-fields approach that projects well at the big-league level.
He wasn’t just spraying singles, either. Benge showed real power, launching eight home runs and driving in 23 runs during his time in Binghamton. That kind of production, paired with his approach, makes him a real threat to break camp with the Mets-especially given the current roster makeup.
A Left-Handed Bat the Mets Need
The Mets’ lineup has plenty of star power, but it leans right-handed with Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Marcus Semien anchoring the heart of the order. Benge’s left-handed swing offers a much-needed counterbalance. He’s not a free-swinger, either-his contact-oriented approach brings a different dimension to a lineup that already has its share of boom-or-bust hitters.
And don’t forget about the arm. Benge was a two-way player at Oklahoma State, and that cannon of his plays anywhere in the outfield.
Defensively, he’s athletic, smart, and capable of covering ground. The tools are there, and the upside is real.
The Competition: Safe vs. Special
Right now, Benge’s primary competition for left field looks like Tyrone Taylor-a reliable veteran who brings a steady glove and professional at-bats. Taylor is the kind of player managers trust, and he’s earned that respect.
But “safe” doesn’t always win you games in October. Benge offers something more: a blend of upside, athleticism, and offensive potential that could elevate the Mets’ outfield from solid to dynamic.
Stearns has already said the door is open-if Benge performs in the Grapefruit League, he’ll have every chance to make the team. The Luis Robert Jr. trade might’ve been the splashy headline, but if Carson Benge keeps trending the way he has, he could be the breakout story of spring.