Carson Benge will open the season as the New York Mets' starting right fielder, manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed Monday. The 23-year-old first-round pick (2024) earned the spot after a stellar 2025 season (.281 BA, 15 HR, 22 SB, .857 OPS) across three minor league levels and strong Grapefruit League play (.366 BA, .874 OPS). Benge, who played all three outfield positions in the minors, secured the position despite competition from Mike Tauchman and MJ Melendez.

Tauchman's meniscus tear last weekend and Melendez's recent Triple-A option cleared the path. The Mets prioritized Benge after failing to sign free-agent right fielder Kyle Tucker, who chose the Dodgers, and acquiring center fielder Luis Robert Jr. from Chicago. Stearns praised Benge's development all offseason, indicating his spring training performance solidified his roster spot.