..New York Mets rightfielder Carson Benge will make his major league debut when the team takes on the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 26. The rookie, regarded as the team’s top hitting prospect, batted. 366 during 14 spring training games. His former college manager at Oklahoma State, Josh Holliday, spoke to The Athletic about his pupil’s mindset, determination, and direction.
“He could have played in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s,” says Holliday, who coached Benge at Oklahoma State.. played all eight positions. He could pitch, he could hit, and he plays hurt… laughs and has fun, but he takes it seriously. Yet, he’s a very smart player. “This guy is just a baseball player.”
At OSU, Benge played two seasons, batting .339 with 25 home runs and 107 runs batted in. Additionally, Benge went 5-4 in Stillwater with a 4.88 ERA. Benge contributed at all three outfield spots. This versatility, combined with his hitting eye, prompted the Mets to draft him with the No. 19 pick of the 2024 MLB Draft.
GettyCarson Bnege on his draft day.
Even-Keel Approach Helps Benge During Journey
While most rookies become high-strung or overreact to the ebb and flow of the game. Former Mets third baseman Robin Ventura, who works for the baseball program at Oklahoma State, praised Benge on his outlook.
“He didn’t really have a lot of bad days,” said Robin Ventura, the former Met who has served as a volunteer assistant coach at Oklahoma State. “He always shows up happy, ready to play, and competes great. I’m extremely happy for him. I love the kid.”
Carson Benge today:
3/3
3 TBReally strong day at the plate.
pic.twitter.com/9x4T4Ei1jo— MetsMuse (@MetsMuse) February 25, 2026
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New York maintains a reputation for derailing careers for young players who fail to adjust. For example, Gregg Jeffries occupied a similar spot to Benge in 1988. Originally a first-round pick, Jeffries’ hit tool brought him to Queens. Jeffries could not deal with the intense heat of playing in the Big Apple.
The talent always existed. In 1990, he led the league in doubles (40). Between th criticism from his teammates, media, and fans alike, Jeffries struggled. Ultimately, the Mets traded him to Kansas City. After, he enjoyed a successful career, making two All-Star teams and batting over .300 on five separate occasions.
GettyFormer Mets infielder Gregg Jeffries at bat during a 1989 game.
Homegrown Talents Becoming Stars Turning Into a Rarity
When Pete Alonso left for Baltimore, the team lost one of its better homegrown players. The same goes for Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo. Now, Benge, along with the pitching talent, becomes the young core of the team. General manager David Stearns, during his tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers, prefers to build with young players, buttressed by veteran talent.
Additionally, defense matters to Stearns. Many believe that is why the Mets allowed Alonso to walk and traded players like McNeil and Nimmo, sound hitters but struggled with fielding the baseball.
Benge profiles as a plus-plus defender. With good speed and a strong arm, the team wants those gifts to serve as a deterrent to runners trying to take an extra base.
On Thursday, Benge’s debut will not be easy. He faces Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Skenes, arguably one of the better pitchers in the game, will attempt to challenge the rookie. If Benge can flash success, that could bode well for the Mets.
Mets Hoping Top Rookie Avoid Pitfalls of Past Prospects