The Mets cleared two outfield spots this winter, but have filled only one externally, potentially leaving an intriguing prospect with an opportunity to win a job in spring training.
That would be Carson Benge, the organization’s first-round pick in David Stearns’ initial draft as the Mets’ president of baseball operations in 2024.
Benge, 23, is the Mets’ top position player prospect. Last year saw him advance through three levels of the Mets’ system, reaching Triple-A Syracuse for his final 24 games. Overall, he produced a .281/.385/.472 slash line with 15 homers and 73 RBIs with 22 stolen bases.
But after Brandon Nimmo was traded to Texas for Marcus Semien this offseason and Cedric Mullins wasn’t re-signed, there could be a rare opportunity for a Mets first-round pick to win a starting job.
