OF prospect Carson Benge might have legitimate shot to make Mets roster in 2026

The New York Mets are entering a pivotal 2026 with questions on how the roster will shape up over the winter.

One position that is in question for the Mets heading into next year is center field due to the lack of offensive production from the players they threw in the outfield. While there are a couple of options to choose from, the best might be young phenom Carson Benge. 

Benge, ranked No. 2 in the Mets' farm system, started last season with High-A Brooklyn, and yet he still managed to play 24 games for Triple-A Syracuse before the end of the year. His potential is certainly not going unnoticed, as Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns spoke on the possibility of him making the squad at the GM Meetings in Las Vegas.

"Carson Benge is going to come into spring training with a chance to make our team, and we'll see where the offseason takes us beyond that," Stearns said. "When you have good players at the upper levels of the minor leagues, we have to find space for those players to play. Carson is among them. He's not the only one, but he's among them. So, as, we build out our team, we have to ensure that as we move forward, there is room for our young players to get to the major leagues when they deserve to get there, and have a chance to really contribute to our major league team."

Carson Benge could be part of New York Mets' future plans

Benge struggled last year in Triple-A, as he posted a .583 OPS with three home runs and 13 RBI. However, the former first-round pick had a strong year overall, owning a .857 OPS with 15 home runs and 73 RBI across all three levels. 

The Mets need to rely on their youth more now than ever before, as having a center fielder like Tyrone Taylor, who is solid defensively but subpar offensively, is no longer sufficient.

Changes need to be made to the roster, and so long as he performs during spring training, Benge should be one of those changes.