Carson Benge Set for Mets Opening Day Roster

Buckle up, Mets fans, there’s a new young star making his way to Queens. After an offseason full of hype and rumors, Carson Benge will make the Mets’ Opening Day roster.

While the team has not officially confirmed the move, New York Post reporter Joel Sherman reported that Benge will break camp and join the team’s 26-man Opening Day roster.

“Getting a chance at possibly playing for the New York Mets — one of my dreams was playing Major League Baseball as a kid,” Benge said about making the Opening Day roster prior to spring training.

The Mets’ No. 2 prospect put on a clinic this spring, tallying 13 hits in 32 at-bats for a .406 batting average, along with five RBIs and a stolen base. The 23-year-old now competes for the starting right field job alongside journeyman veteran Mike Tauchman, who signed a team-friendly minor league deal with the Mets.

Tauchman has made the decision even tougher for manager Carlos Mendoza, hitting .280 in spring action with one home run and six RBIs.

New York began making roster cuts this week ahead of the regular season, which starts March 26. The team sent down INF Ronny Mauricio so he can continue developing in a consistent role rather than receive limited at-bats off the bench.

This move creates the possibility that the Mets carry five outfielders to start the season. Juan Soto will move to left field, while Luis Robert will start in center after the Mets acquired him in a trade with the White Sox for Luisangel Acuña.

“We get to those last few days, and we’re going to have to make some tough decisions,” Mendoza said. “We’ve got a lot of guys playing well, and they’re healthy, and that’s the case with Carson.”