Imagine being just 23 years old and already on the cusp of a major league baseball career. That’s the reality for Mets’ outfielder Carson Benge, who is gearing up for what could be a breakout year. But here’s where it gets exciting: before the offseason even kicked off, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns made a bold declaration—Benge would get a shot to compete for a big league spot in spring training. And this is the part most people miss: Benge isn’t just another prospect; he’s the first player drafted by Stearns’ front office, selected 19th overall in the 2024 draft, and he’s already turning heads.
Benge’s journey is particularly intriguing because of his two-way prowess at Oklahoma State, mirroring the path of Mets’ top pitching prospect Nolan McLean. While McLean dominates on the mound, Benge shines in the batter’s box, currently ranking as the No. 3 outfield prospect in baseball. The bond between these two OSU alums is undeniable—Benge even texted McLean immediately after being drafted, dreaming of the day they’d share an MLB field. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a player who excelled as both a hitter and pitcher in college truly translate that success to the pros? Benge’s numbers suggest he’s on the right track.
After starting the 2025 season at High-A Brooklyn, Benge quickly climbed the ranks, reaching Double-A Binghamton by late June and Triple-A Syracuse in mid-August. His stats? Impressive: a .281/.385/.472 slash line with 15 home runs and 22 stolen bases in 116 games. One scout put it simply: ‘He can really hit.’ And this is the part that’s truly remarkable: Benge thrives under pressure, boasting a .611 OPS with two strikes—far above the MLB average of .512. ‘It doesn’t bug me to hit with two strikes,’ Benge explained. ‘It helps me stay disciplined.’
With his eyes set on the big leagues, likely as early as this season, Benge spent the offseason fine-tuning his body for the rigors of a full season. He attended a Mets strength camp in the fall and reported to spring training in early January, determined to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster. ‘I know my bat and glove are ready,’ he said. ‘Now, it’s about staying healthy and helping the team any way I can.’
But here’s the question that lingers: Can Benge sustain his rapid rise and become a cornerstone of the Mets’ future? And what does his success mean for the growing trend of two-way players in baseball? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one story you won’t want to miss.
