Mets' Carson Benge flashes potential in win over Rockies

New York Mets right fielder Carson Benge. William Liang-Imagn Images

Mets rookie Carson Benge flashes potential with performance in win over Rockies

By Eric Smithling | Last updated May 4, 2026 8:21 PM ET

New York Mets rookie outfielder Carson Benge has had an uneven start to his MLB career, but that began to change on Monday.

The No. 13 overall prospect in the majors had arguably his best big-league game of the early season in a 4-2 win over the Colorado Rockies, making plays in the field and at the plate to show glimpses of the potential that's made him one of the league's most highly-touted young players.

Mets rookie Carson Benge stars at the plate and in the field in win over Rockies

Benge's first highlight came in the bottom of the third, when he robbed Rockies designated hitter Tyler Freeman of an extra-base hit with a runner on second and two outs, making a diving grab to end the inning

Carson Benge shows off the glove once again! pic.twitter.com/JCP2PNURwi
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 4, 2026

Later, Benge broke a scoreless tie with a solo shot to begin the sixth inning — a frame that saw the Mets bring three additional runners home — by taking Rockies starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano's 88 mph cutter 436 feet to right center.

Carson Benge puts the @Mets on the board! pic.twitter.com/htMlfFykt2
— MLB (@MLB) May 4, 2026

Batting seventh, Benge finished 1-for-2 with a home run and a walk.

As has been the case for the Mets, the 2024 first-rounder (No. 19 overall) has struggled to start the 2026 season, his first in the big leagues. Benge entered Monday with a .186/.255/.278 slash line in 106 plate appearances, hitting two home runs with 24 strikeouts.

Despite providing little to nothing with his bat, Benge has earned his keep with an excellent glove and speed on the base paths. Per Baseball Savant, the 23-year-old ranks in the 88th percentile in baserunning run value and 90th percentile in fielding.

The Mets (13-22) have the NL's worst record and are already 12 games behind the Atlanta Braves (25-10) for first in the NL East. They've been bogged down by an awful offense, entering the day ranked No. 29 in runs scored per game (3.47), ahead of only the San Francisco Giants (3.12).

If New York is going to make something of this season, it will need Benge to build on his performance Monday. After a slow start with his bat, he's hitting .303 over his last 11 games.

The Mets haven't had much to celebrate in 2026, but Benge's continued development provides hope.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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