The New York Mets appear to have their starting outfield trio penciled in for opening day. Team officials, led by David Stearns, have undergone a substantial roster overhaul during the offseason. Stars such as Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil are all now gone from the lineup. In their places for 2026 will be Jorge Polanco, Marcus Semien, and Bo Bichette.
While New York’s infield is set, there are question marks regarding their outfield. Newly acquired Luis Robert Jr. will be the team’s starting center fielder on opening day. Superstar Juan Soto was expected to continue being the everyday right fielder for the Mets. Nevertheless, Stearns recently revealed that Soto will move over to left field for the upcoming season.
The switch obviously opens up a hole in right field. According to MLB.com’s Jim Callis, top prospect Carson Benge is likely the favorite to land the role. Callis claims that the outfielder has a 70% chance to earn a place on the Mets’ opening day roster. Benge’s chances of locking down a starting spot may have even gone up since Soto’s position change was announced.
Bleacher Report previously predicted that Brett Baty would be New York’s opening day starter in left field. Soto’s switch, however, is likely bad news for Baty and instead boosts Benge’s chances. Baty has never played right field in his professional career. Benge, on the other hand, split his time between all three outfield positions in 2025. He was also typically deployed in right field during his college days at Oklahoma State.
New York Mets Will Give Carson Benge Every Chance to Earn Roster Spot
GettyCarson Benge was David Stearns’ first draft selection as top Mets exec.
Stearns was recently asked about Benge’s chances of earning a spot on the team’s opening day roster and even becoming the starter in right field. “We’ve been consistent throughout the offseason that Carson’s gonna come to camp with a chance to make our team — that remains the same,” said Stearns, as reported by SNY. “He’s played a lot of right field during his time in the minor leagues. We’re confident with him out there.”
The Mets exec, however, also attempted to keep the pressure off the youngster. Stearns pointed out that Baty will have a chance, while veterans Tyrone Taylor and MJ Melendez are options as well. The Mets signed Melendez on February 9 as essentially an insurance policy for the team’s outfield.
ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez has named Benge as the club’s top player to watch during spring training. According to the reporter, the Mets view the prospect as the “complete package” and a future five-tool player in the big league. His quality defense and strong arm are expected help him transition as an MLB right fielder.
Spring Training will Affect Benge’s Chances of Nailing Down Starting Role
Benge has proven to be a standout hitter at almost every step throughout his minor league career. In fact, he hit .308 with an OPS well over .900 between A+ and AA ball in 2025. Nevertheless, he did struggle to handle AAA pitching to end the campaign. Benge hit .178 with a .583 OPS in 24 total games with Syracuse.
Stearns and the Mets will hope that the issue came down to a small sample size and the highly-rated slugger gets back on track in 2026. Spring training will clearly be a crucial time for Benge. If he shows that he can handle MLB pitching and right field, he will likely become the starter at the position on opening day.
Mets Prospect Predicted to Earn Opening Day Starting Spot