The New York Mets’ outfield picture is starting to come into focus as spring training approaches, and there’s one name that’s quickly gaining traction: Carson Benge. With Brandon Nimmo gone and Juan Soto shifting over to left field, right field is suddenly wide open-and Benge is making a strong case to seize that opportunity.
Let’s start with the bat, because that’s where Benge has already turned heads. In 519 plate appearances across the minors last season, he posted a 150 wRC+, a number that jumps off the page.
That kind of offensive production is rare, especially for a player who’s still just knocking on the door of the big leagues. The Mets have other options-veteran Tyrone Taylor is in the mix-but Taylor doesn’t bring the same offensive upside.
If the Mets are looking for a spark in the lineup, Benge might be the guy.
But here’s where things get even more interesting: Benge might not just be a bat-first prospect. He could also help the Mets solve a problem that’s quietly plagued them for years-defense in right field.
Since 2019, the Mets haven’t posted a positive number in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) from the right field position. That’s not just a dry stat-it’s a reflection of a revolving door of defensive struggles.
Juan Soto, for all his offensive brilliance, struggled mightily in the field last year, finishing with -7 DRS and a league-worst -12 Outs Above Average (OAA), tied with Nick Castellanos. Before Soto, Starling Marte held down the position, but outside of a solid 2022, his glove didn’t move the needle much either.
And when you factor in brief but costly defensive stints from players like Tyler Naquin, Travis Jankowski, and Darin Ruf, the picture becomes clear: right field has been a defensive liability.
That’s where Benge could change the narrative. No, he’s not being touted as the next Ichiro, but scouts like what they see.
He’s an above-average runner with improving reads in the outfield, and his arm strength-initially viewed as a reason to stick him in a corner-hasn’t held him back from playing center field effectively. In fact, 17 of his 24 starts at Triple-A last year came in center, which speaks volumes about how the Mets view his defensive development.
He may not have a single elite tool, but the package is impressive: above-average skills across the board and the kind of consistency that front offices love. If he can hold his own with the glove and bring even a fraction of that minor league bat to the majors, the Mets might finally have a two-way contributor in right field.
Of course, Benge isn’t alone in the competition. Luis Robert Jr. is already penciled into center field after being acquired this offseason-a move that clearly signals the Mets’ intent to shore up their outfield defense.
Robert’s glove has been a standout even when his bat hasn’t, and his addition could be a game-changer up the middle. Cristian Pache, another strong defender, is also in the mix after signing a minor-league deal in December.
He’ll be fighting for a roster spot alongside Benge this spring.
That means the battle for right field won’t just come down to who can hit-it’ll be about who can offer the most complete package. With the Mets finishing middle of the pack in team DRS last year (15th overall), there’s real incentive to upgrade defensively, especially in the outfield. Every run saved counts, and in a division where margins are razor-thin, a stronger outfield could be the difference between October baseball and an early offseason.
So while Benge is still unproven at the MLB level, he brings something the Mets have been missing: balance. A bat with upside, a glove that doesn’t hurt you, and the kind of projection that makes coaches and front office execs lean forward in their chairs. He may not be a lock for the Opening Day roster just yet, but if he keeps trending upward this spring, don’t be surprised if he breaks camp with the big club-and finally gives the Mets a right fielder who can impact both sides of the game.