Carson Benge Could be Mets' Opening Day Center Fielder
The New York Mets' trade of long-time outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers might have cleared a lane for outfield prospect Carson Benge to become the team's starting center fielder on Opening Day in 2026, according to Sam Dykstra of MLB.com. Benge, the team's No. 2 prospect and the No. 21 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline, climbed three levels in the minors in his first full season in 2025. He has a real shot to not only make the big-league roster out of spring training, but also win starting center-field duties now that Nimmo is gone. The 22-year-old was drafted 19th overall in 2024 as a two-way player out of Oklahoma State. Benge has since become a full-time outfielder and hit .281/.385/.472 with 15 homers and 22 steals in 116 games over three minor-league levels. Benge has great bat-to-ball skills, developing power, and above-average speed. His primary competition in center field in spring training will be with Tyrone Taylor.
Source: MLB.com - Sam Dykstra
Source: MLB.com - Sam Dykstra
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