Mets top outfield prospect Benge makes Opening Day roster

The 23-year-old is the No. 2-ranked prospect in the Mets' minor-league system and No. 16 overall in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. His rapid ascent through the professional ranks has been characterized by consistent adjustments and an unwavering work ethic. Scouts have long praised his advanced approach at the plate, highlighting his ability to recognize breaking pitches and his discipline to lay off marginal offerings. By maintaining this level of production, he has effectively forced the front office to accelerate his timeline and trust him with a starting role.

Benge went 15-for-41 with five RBIs and an .874 OPS over 14 games during spring training to earn the job. This impressive performance during the Grapefruit League was not merely a matter of good fortune; it was the result of a deliberate, focused approach to spring preparation. Throughout the exhibition period, he faced some of the league’s most veteran pitching talent, consistently making hard contact and displaying the exact tools that made him a top-tier draft pick. His ability to hit for both average and power made his roster inclusion an absolute necessity.