ANGRY MIKE: 2025 PROSPECT REPORT: CARSON BENGE

ANGRY MIKE 

Benge was the Mets 1st round pick of the 2024 draft, selected 19th overall,.and was a legit 2-way player at Oklahoma State, but committed to being a position player after being drafted. The primary concern with Benge going into the draft was whether or not he’d be able to translate his considerable raw power into game power, but several pre-draft scouting reports noted a couple minor adjustments to his should allow him to tap into his power potential. Some analysts reported Benge as a top 15 talent heading into the draft, which is why the Mets were thrilled to see him fall to pick #19. Mets now have the true center fielder they have been searching for, a legit 5-tool talent, with one of the strongest arms in the system, he’s a plus athlete, logging reps at both CF & RF at every minor league level. Started 2025 at Brooklyn and quickly forced a promotion to Double-A Binghamton, pairing with Jett Williams, Nick Morabito, Ryan Clifford, and Jacob Reimer to create one of the most potent offenses in the minor leagues. 

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS:

Power potential was on full display at Double-A, 8 homers in only 34 (126 AB), twice as many homers as he had at Brooklyn despite 99 fewer AB. He wasn’t just hitting homers either, he was an XBH machine, registering 24 doubles and 6 triples. 

Registered batting averages over .300+ and OBP over .400 at Brooklyn & Binghamton, but stumbled a bit when he was quickly promoted to Syracuse. His overall numbers for the season were still strong for his first 1st full season, and he’ll most likely start at Syracuse in 2026.

Was an OBP monster recording 33 multi-hit games -> 116 GP for the season, an incredible 28% of the total games played.

Reached base multiple times in 59 games -> total 116 GP (51%) !!

Excellent plate discipline, posting stellar -> K-Rate 18% | BB-Rate 13% 

Elite run-producer  -> .339 batting average || 55  RBI  ->  115  AB

Crushed Righties ->. .295 B.A. |.379 OBP | 14 HR | 21 2B | 6 3B |

Respectable versus Lefties -> .232 batting average | .407 OBP 

-> no reason he can’t improve as he gains experience.

Drafting college players always carries the risk of how quickly players can make the transition to wood bats, and Benge impressed many exhibiting a seamless transition, in addition to how quickly he adapted to advanced pitching. His ability to make in-season adjustments, not trying to do to much, and capitalizing on his strengths allowed us to see his best version on a nightly basis. He fits the mold of other recent draft picks who exude the blueprint of being highly skilled and bringing high-energy, with a focus on trying to impact the game on both sides of the ball every night. When you factor in this was his first season as a full-time position player, it’s easy to see why people within the organization rave about he has only begun to scratch the surface of his true potential. There was nobody more excited about the Mets drafting Benge, than former Oklahoma State teammate Nolan McLean, who raves about what Benge brings to the table as a ballplayer and an outstanding clubhouse presence. It will be great to see them both anchoring the Mets roster for years to come, but my money is on McLean if they ever square off in Spring Training for an impromptu home run derby.

2026 OUTLOOK 

There are three potential scenarios that could be deployed that will dictate Benge’s final stage of development & when he makes his MLB debut 

<->   Scenario A  <-> “Launch BENGE on Alert-5”  <->

<-  Mets were league-worst in offensive production generated from CF 

<-  Have him start at Syracuse -> promote after “Super 2 Cut-off” 

<-  Benge’s defense is an asset even if offense takes time to develop

<-  Even as unfinished product offensively, still an upgrade for CF

<-  Alvarez & Baty both promoted to MLB after minimal time in AAA

<->   Scenario B   <->  “Q.R.F. on Standby”  <->

< JETT has more reps in upper minors & can handle CF until Benge’s arrival  

< 50-60 games in AAA to further is his development & gain experience

< Benge’s ability to make adjustments makes extended AAA stint unnecessary

< Even as unfinished product offensively, he’s an upgrade over previous CF

< Nolan McLean promoted in similar fashion since he filled a position need.

<->   Scenario C   <->  “Patience is a virtue”  <->

<-  JETT’s presence affords us the luxury of being patient with Benge

<-  Benge is young, full season in AAA lets him develop without pressure

<-  Further experience could help him hit the ground running in MLB 

<-  Alvarez & Baty, inconsistent adjustment to MLB after limited AAA time

<-  Vientos & Mauricio utilized extra AAA time to help work on their flaws

There are pros & cons to each scenario, which makes Benge’s case quite unique compared to other prospects. It’s unclear if recent reports of the Mets losing $350 million in 2025 will influence how they proceed with roster construction going forward. If the financial losses convince them to fully embrace the youth movement, facilitating a commitment to players on pre-arbitration salaries, that might expedite the arrivals of key prospects who fill positions of need. JETT & Benge both fill huge positions of need and would certainly see their promotions sooner than later if the Mets decide to curb the spending and focus on developing impact talent from their farm system.

Whatever the Mets decide, won’t change the fact that Carson Benge is an explosive game-changer, with the qualities teams drool over. He’s one of the more exciting players we’ve ever drafted, and I look forward to seeing him establish himself as our “center fielder of the future”, next season… 

😎P.S. BENGE WILL ALSO NOT BE TRADED FOR TARIK SKUBAL 😎