Carson Benge: Mets Prospect’s Rare Approach to Avoiding Strikeouts

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Carson Benge has a decidedly old-school approach to striking out.

“I hate striking out,” Benge said after collecting three hits in the Mets’ 6-0 loss to the Cardinals on Wednesday, all on two-strike pitches. “That’s one thing about me. So being able to fight for every pitch, scrap for it, is really good.”

Benge led off the bottom of the first inning with a two-strike chopper to third base, beating out the infield hit. Two innings later, the rookie drove a 1-2 fastball to the opposite field for a sharp single, registering 101 mph off the bat. In the fifth, Benge pulled a ground ball through the hole on the right side for his third hit of the day, finishing 3-for-3.

“His ability to stay in the fight,” was how manager Carlos Mendoza summarized Benge’s performance. “Especially when he gets behind in counts, his ability to foul off pitches and then just using the whole field and putting the ball in play — his bat-to-ball skills, we saw it today, he just finds a way.”

While the modern game often prioritizes launch angles and accepting strikeouts as a byproduct of power, Benge represents a throwback. He’s a hitter who actively *dislikes* making an out, even if it means sacrificing some potential for extra-base hits. That approach is particularly noteworthy as he competes for a starting role in right field.

The Mets have an open competition for the right field job following the offseason departures of Brandon Nimmo and Cedric Mullins. Mike Tauchman made an early statement on Tuesday with a home run in his first Grapefruit League at-bat, but Benge quickly followed with his three-hit performance. He’s currently battling Tauchman, Tyrone Taylor, Brett Baty, and MJ Melendez for the position.

Benge, the Mets’ No. 2 prospect, struck out in just 17.7 percent of his Minor League plate appearances last year. At Double-A Binghamton, his 15.9 percent strikeout rate placed him in the 87th percentile among Eastern League hitters. This isn’t simply a matter of avoiding strikeouts; it’s about consistently putting the ball in play and forcing the defense to work.

The Mets’ need for consistent offensive production in right field is well-documented. The team has struggled to find reliable output at the position since 2019, a drought highlighted by the defensive liabilities of players like Juan Soto, Starling Marte, Tyler Naquin, Travis Jankowski, and Darin Ruf. Soto, despite his overall offensive prowess, was worth -7 Defensive Runs Saved in right field in 2025, with an Outs Above Average of -12 – tied for the worst in MLB. The Mets are hoping Benge can not only provide offensive upside but also stabilize a position that has been a consistent weakness.

Benge’s path to the majors wasn’t necessarily a straight line. Drafted 19th overall in 2024, he progressed through three levels of the Mets’ system in 2025, reaching Triple-A Syracuse for his final 24 games. He finished the year with a .281/.385/.472 slash line, 15 home runs, 73 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases. His speed – described as a 70-grade run tool – adds another dimension to his game, making him a potential threat on the basepaths.

The fact that Benge is even in contention for a starting job so early in his development is a testament to the opportunities created by the Mets’ offseason moves and the organization’s willingness to give young players a chance. He’s also benefitting from a clear organizational need. The Mets cleared two outfield spots this winter, filling only one externally, creating a rare opportunity for a first-round pick to win a job out of spring training.

As of Wednesday, Benge had struck out just once in eight spring plate appearances. “I just try and go in there and fight every AB,” Benge said. “I’m not trying to give something away by taking a dumb swing or anything like that.”

That mentality, combined with his developing power and speed, could make Carson Benge more than just a hopeful prospect. He could be the solution to a long-standing problem for the Mets in right field.