Carson Benge is headed for Florida to start his professional career in Port St. Lucie, but before the first-round draft pick begins his career with the Mets, he made a trip to New York to tour Citi Field on Thursday before the Mets opened a series against the Atlanta Braves.
“It’s just amazing getting to meet all the guys and they were all so welcoming,” Benge said Thursday from the dugout he hopes to call home someday. “Being able to do that some of the guys have been growing up watching on TV, is just an unreal experience. I’m really looking forward to everything that this organization has to offer.”
The two-way starter out of Oklahoma State that was drafted at No. 19 overall by the Mets last week, Benge wasted little time in signing his contract, putting paper to paper Wednesday.
“Today is another exciting day as we continue to build our farm system,” said Kris Gross, the Mets’ vice president of amateur scouting in a statement. “I want to congratulate Carson and his family on all the hard work they have put in to get to this point. Carson is an incredibly athletic player who can impact the game in multiple facets. I look forward to watching him develop as he begins his journey to the major leagues.”
Benge spent Thursday exploring Manhattan before making his way out to Flushing to meet with the team and take batting practice on the field. An outfielder and pitcher for the Cowboys, Benge confirmed that he will fully transition to playing outfield in pro ball. The Mets and his advisors believe it’s his quickest path to the big leagues, and with the Mets’ system big on infielders and light on outfielders, it made sense.
With the addition of Benge in the system, the Mets now have their outfield of the future.
Benge projects as a corner outfielder with a plus arm. Drew Gilbert, the Mets’ second-rated prospect, should be right next to him as a center fielder. Ryan Clifford, the other player who came over in the Justin Verlander trade last summer with Gilbert, is likely destined for a corner spot as well.
The first impressions of Benge’s bat were big: A left-handed hitter, Benge hit several drives to center field and right field, including one that cleared the fences and hit the right field seats.
Scouts like his bat-to-ball skills and the exit velocity that he showed off for his future teammates Thursday.
“That’s all I wanted was to just get one, and I got it,” Benge said. “I’m happy with how my round went.”
Benge redshirted in 2022 to rehab after Tommy John surgery but rebounded to pitch two more seasons. He was named a semifinalist for the 2024 Dick Howser Trophy, given annually to college baseball’s best player, and for the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award. However, most two-way players finish their college careers with the understanding that they’ll have to pick a lane. For Benge, the decision wasn’t difficult.
“I think I’ll be able to step into all my weaknesses and be able to focus in head on,” Benge said. “I’ll be able to spend all my time in that instead of working on some pitching. So I think growth will come a lot faster.”
A Cherokee Nation citizen, Benge grew up in Yukon, Oklahoma, a suburb with fewer than 25,000 residents outside of Oklahoma City. This trip to New York was his first.
“Took my breath away,” he said.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Sean Reid-Foley (shoulder impingement) threw to live hitters Thursday afternoon, throwing 21 pitches and hitting the low-to-mid 90s with his fastball. The results were good and Reid-Foley felt healthy. The right-hander is expected to begin a rehab assignment Sunday with High-A Brooklyn if there are no setbacks over the next two days.
With Christian Scott on the injured list, the Mets plan to call up Tylor Megill from Triple-A Syracuse to take his place in the rotation. Megill will start Saturday against the Atlanta Braves.
“He’s fresh, he’s built up,” said manager Carlos Mendoza. “He’s been in this league before, so I think it was an easy decision.”
