Mets prospect Carson Benge getting early jump on major league opportunity

New York Mets outfield prospect Carson Benge has a path to the Opening Day roster. He is doing his part to take advantage of the opportunity.

Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic reported that Benge has already reported to the Mets spring training facility in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Mets' reporting date is set for Feb. 16, making Benge nearly a month early.

Ranked as the Mets' second-best prospect and the 16th-best prospect in baseball by MLB.com, Benge has drawn rave reviews for his ability to make hard contact and strong batting eye. He has reworked his swing to cut down on his ground balls, which should allow him to tap into his above-average power. Benge is regarded as above-average in every aspect and is expected to be a cornerstone for the Mets going forward.

Carson Benge doing his part to stake claim to New York Mets role

Benge showed his potential as he rocketed through the Mets system in 2025. He posted a .281/.385/.472 batting line in 519 plate appearances across three levels, moving from High-A to Triple-A. Benge hit 15 homers and 25 doubles while stealing 22 bases as he showed his potential.

The Mets have an opening for Benge in the outfield. While Juan Soto is entrenched in right and the newly acquired Luis Robert Jr. is slated for center, left field is open after Brandon Nimmo was traded. Outfielder Tyrone Taylor would likely be the Mets' backup plan, but he is best suited as a fourth outfielder. Left appears to be Benge's for the taking.

Benge may have a spot on the New York Mets' Opening Day roster waiting for him. By showing up early for spring training, Benge is putting himself in the best position he can to seize that opportunity.