Mets Prospect Carson Benge Receives Bad News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joey Linn | Last updated Feb 16, 2026 7:19 PM ET

The New York Mets drafted 6-foot-1 outfielder Carson Benge with the 19th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. In two collegiate seasons at Oklahoma State, Benge posted a 1.064 OPS that made him one of the most intriguing offensive prospects in his draft class.

In just two Minor League seasons, Benge has already reached Triple-A. While he struggled in 24 games with the Syracuse Mets, posting just a .583 OPS, his dominance in 32 games at the Double-A level (.978 OPS) made New York comfortable moving him quickly through the system.

In November, Mets president David Stearns made it clear Benge would have a chance to compete for an Opening Day roster spot in 2026 (via SNY). But on Monday, that path became more complicated.

New York Mets President of Baseball Operations David StearnsBrad Penner-Imagn Images

With New York moving Juan Soto to left field, his previously-occupied right field spot was put up for grabs. In addition to Benge, primary infielder Brett Baty is among those competing for that job. On Monday evening, that competition received a new name, as Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported New York had agreed to a deal with left-handed outfielder Mike Tauchman.

"In a move that adds to their outfield competition, the New York Mets and veteran Mike Tauchman reached an agreement Monday on a minor-league deal, which is pending a physical, league sources told The Athletic," the report read.

Mike Tauchman Signing Complicates Carson Benge's Path to Roster Spot

While Benge could still make the club with a torrid Spring Training, this spells bad news for the 23-year-old. Already competing with Baty, who posted an above-average 111 OPS+ last season for the first time in his MLB career, Benge now has to outplay the veteran Tauchman if he wants that right field job on March 26. Tyrone Taylor is another option in right for New York.

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com acknowledged this dynamic in his article about Monday's news.

"In Mets camp, Tauchman creates another obstacle for No. 2 prospect Carson Benge to make the team," DiComo wrote. "While the Mets plan to give Benge every opportunity to do just that, he has played just 24 games above Double-A and largely struggled in those contexts."

Here's more on the Mets' deal with Mike Tauchman, who still possesses one of the game's keener batting eyes:https://t.co/sR1efra4fD
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) February 16, 2026

An eight-year MLB veteran, Tauchman has spent time with the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox and San Francisco Giants. He has rated above-average offensively each of the last three seasons, and has very neutral splits against both right and left-handed pitching.

Had Benge shown more at the Triple-A level last season, perhaps New York would be more comfortable giving him the inside track to an Opening Day roster spot. But with just 103 plate appearances under his belt at that level, it seems the team may be angling toward a bit more development before giving him a big league promotion.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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