On Thursday afternoon, the New York Mets will host the Pittsburgh Pirates for their Opening Day showdown.
The Mets come into the year with a lot of hope, as they have one of the most talented rosters in the National League.
Mets Make Roster Decision Before Opening Day
Before Thursday’s game, the Mets announced the news that Carson Benge had made the Opening Day roster.
The MLB wrote (on March 23): “Carson Benge will be the Mets Opening Day right fielder 👏
MLB’s No. 16 prospect hit .366 with an .874 OPS this Spring Training & will debut after having just 90 Triple-A at-bats 👀”
GettyJUPITER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 27: Carson Benge #93 of the New York Mets celebrates after scoring against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning of a spring training gameat Roger Dean Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
MLB World Reacts To Benge News
GettyJUPITER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 27: Carson Benge #93 of the New York Mets is struck by a pitch during the first inning of a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Here’s what people were saying about the news:
Jon Heyman: “Benge is the Mets right fielder. Spring scouting report: very good contact hitter, hangs in vs. lefties, power still developing, great arm, above average speed, relaxed personality”
@TJStats: “Carson Benge makes the Mets Opening Day roster! The Mets top hitting prospect posted a .929 OPS this Spring while showcasing a balanced approach and strong bat-to-ball skills. The power did not manifest itself, but he has some juice in the bat! Congratulations!”
@PizzaSportsGuy: “Pumped to see him get a shot. A Soto, Robert, Benge outfield could be electric.”
GettyJUPITER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 27: Carson Benge #93 of the New York Mets catches a fly ball against the St. Louis Cardinals during the second inning of a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
@Courtsidecom: “It’s official.
He earned it. Cant wait to see him in the lineup vs Skenes on Thursday.”
@lindorlover123: “I thought I couldn’t be more excited about opening day but OMGGGGG”
Jorge Castillo: “David Stearns sang Carson Benge’s praises all offseason, saying he could factor into the team’s 2026 plans from the jump. That probably would’ve changed if the Mets had signed Kyle Tucker, but they didn’t and Benge is the team’s Opening Day starting right fielder.”
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 12: Carson Benge #3 of the New York Mets jogs in from the field during the 2025 All-Star Futures Game at Truist Park on July 12, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Looking At New York
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 19: Manager Carlos Mendoza of the New York Mets speaks to media before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets at Citi Field on July 19, 2025 in the Queens Borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Despite their elite roster, the Mets are coming off a season where they missed the MLB playoffs.
After the Pirates, they will head on the road to visit the St. Louis Cardinals on March 30.
MLB World Reacts To Major New York Mets Announcement Before Pirates Game