The New York Mets are extremely high on Carson Benge and believe he has the potential to become a star. With Tyrone Taylor looking like their only option for centerfield, it wouldn’t hurt them to give Benge the starting job if he shows out in spring training.
Carson Benge Should Be The Opening Day Centerfielder For The Mets
Benge has shown how good of a player he can be as he has gone through all three minor league levels within one year. In this past season in all three levels combined, he hit .281, had 15 homers and 73 RBIs with 22 stolen bases. He has displayed a solid glove as well and shown he can be a sneaky fast baserunner. With all that being said, if he can have a solid showing at spring training, then there is no reason for him not to get a shot at the starting job in center come opening day.
The Mets Should Take A Chance On Benge Over Tyrone Taylor
Taylor is a solid player and has made some huge plays since joining the Mets. However, even with his magnificent glove, he sadly lacks a productive bat. In 113 games last season, Taylor hit 2 homers and finished the season with a .227 batting average. Even with gold glove potential, it may be time to move in with the younger guys and give them a chance, as the Mets seem to be doing. With all the big offseason departures, they have nothing to lose by playing the young guys and giving them a shot, with Benge being one of them who has a chance at making a big impact in this lineup.
The Mets Seem To Be Shifting From a Veteran Lineup To A Younger One
With the losses of Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso, Edwin Diaz, and Jeff McNeil, it seems the Mets are shifting towards the young guys this season. Excluding guys like Francisco Lindor and Marcus Semien, the Mets look to be putting this season in the hands of breakout years from their young core.
Guys like Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, Francisco Alvarez, Ronny Mauricio, or Luisangel Acuna seem to be getting a chance to show what they got, barring any late acquisitions this offseason. Seeing all this would only make more sense as to why Benge should get the shot in centerfield. So, the Mets can give the young core a shot, call up Benge to be their centerfielder, and see what he can do. At just 22 years old, the sky is the limit for Benge and the potential the Mets see in him.
Could Benge Be A Future Star For The Mets?
Only time will tell but Benge has all the right tools to be a future star for the Mets. He could surprise a lot of people this season if he gets a roster spot on this team by opening day. He could be the centerfielder for the next decade for the Mets if all goes right. This could be the start to a huge career for him if they name him the starting centerfielder come the start of the 2026 season.
Top Image Credit: Mitch Alcala-The Oklahoman