Mets Make a Decision on Carson Benge For Opening Day

The top prospect has certainly earned it.

Carson Benge will be the New York Mets' starting right fielder on Opening Day, per manager Carlos Mendoza.

WELCOME TO THE SHOW, CARSON 🤩

Carlos Mendoza has announced that Carson Benge will be the Mets' right fielder on Opening Day! pic.twitter.com/lDZEchntRD
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) March 23, 2026

"We just told him that he will be playing right field on Thursday for the New York Mets," Mendoza said.

"He earned it.. we are all excited to watch this kid play"

Carlos Mendoza talks about Carson Benge making the Mets' Opening Day roster pic.twitter.com/03WSz4esQ0
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) March 23, 2026

Benge, 23, slashed .366/.435/.439 with a .874 OPS and five RBI in 14 Grapefruit League games. This did not include his home run in an exhibition game against Team Israel.

Benge had the chance to make the Mets in spring training and he ultimately snatched the opportunity in front of him.

He will be the first Mets' rookie position player to make their major league debut on Opening Day since first baseman Pete Alonso in 2019.

Benge looked very poised at the plate in the spring and also played a more than solid right field. The youngster showcased his strong arm in the outfield as well.

Benge will start in an outfield that includes superstar Juan Soto in left field and Luis Robert Jr. in center field.

The rookie will make his debut on Thursday, March 26 against ace Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Mets selected Benge in the first-round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Oklahoma State University.

Benge's Reaction

New York Mets, Carson Benge — The New York Mets' Carson Benge hits a home run against Israel in a spring training game, March 4, 2026, at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie. Mets won 5-2. CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images | CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

To no surprise, Benge seemed overjoyed when speaking with reporters following the decision on Monday.

"Joy over everything. Knowing that I worked hard for it. Countless hours I spent and all my family members and friends that have sacrificed some time for me. It's all going to come true, my dreams since I was little it's pretty cool," Benge said.

Benge called the mental part of preparing for the big-leagues "pretty easy" as he tries to stay centered no matter the situation.

"I don't think too deep....get down on myself, get too high on myself. I just try to stay right there in the middle," Benge said.

Carson Benge credits his even-keeled nature for keeping him centered during spring as he worked towards making the majors: pic.twitter.com/PbFpO3AkVp
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) March 23, 2026

"I've always had a certain amount of confidence in myself, being able to compete with whoever it may be" Benge said on when he thought he might be able to be a big-leaguer.

Benge will face Skenes, one of the best starters in the league, in his first major league game.

"Starting out with the best, it's pretty cool - try to win every pitch, every AB, find any way you can to win," Benge added.

Benge will now join his former Oklahoma State teammate Nolan McLean on the Mets' big-league roster.

As far as Benge is concerned, the moment never looked to big for him in spring training. Time will tell whether his success in the minor leagues will translate to the big-leagues, but the Mets are very excited to see what he can do.

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