Mets' Carson Benge Makes Opening Day Roster, Manager Reveals Decision to Outfielder on Video

Welcome to the New York Mets, Carson Benge.

The outfielder prospect has made the team's Opening Day roster and will be the starting right-fielder during Thursday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Benge hit .366 with a .435 on-base percentage during 14 Spring Training games to help earn the roster spot.

The Mets are going to have a new-look outfield in 2026.

Superstar Juan Soto is moving to left field, while the Mets traded for Luis Robert Jr. this offseason to handle center. That left a battle for right field, with Benge and Mike Tauchman emerging as the top two options.

Tauchman suffered a meniscus tear in his left knee, however, and will be sidelined to start the season.

"This is a guy that was pretty much in the mix, but we're still good with the options that we got here," manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters Sunday regarding Tauchman. "Obviously, we got a lot of guys that are playing well, and we know injuries happen. It's tough for him and, obviously, the team, but we still feel pretty good with the guys that we got here."

Even before the injury, Benge's strong spring made him likely to open the season on the big league roster. MLB.com considers him the No. 16 prospect in the sport, so it was only a matter of time before he was given his shot.

And even when Tauchman returns, Benge's ability to play center field will give the Mets solid optionality. If Benge thrives like he did during the spring, however, he'll be entrenched in right field as the starter.