The kid is ready.
23-year-old Benge, the Mets 2nd best prospect and MLB’s 16th overall prospect, showed out on Opening Day at Citi Field.
On an afternoon where New York’s retooled lineup dominated Paul Skenes and Pittsburgh for an 11-7 win, its youngest member contributed in his first game in the major leagues.
Benge went 1/3, drew two crucial walks, eventually smacking a home run in the 6th inning. His first hit was a home run.
After playing just 24 games in Triple-A Syracuse to end 2025, Benge had an astronomical spring. He slashed .366 over 15 games and proved his glove was strong enough to break into a New York lineup which is considered one of the best in baseball.
Benge joins an outfield with all-stars Juan Soto and Luis Robert junior. On the diamond with so many stars carrying high-profile contracts, he provides salary relief on his relatively small rookie contract.
Met fans are already bullish on his chances for the National League Rookie Of The Year award chances, but he faces stiff competition with a strong crop of youngsters both in the majors and minor leagues. Teammate pitcher Nolan McLean is the favorite in the NL, while baseball’s top prospect Konnor Griffin waits for his opportunity to make Pittsburgh.
For now, all Benge has to worry about is playing his role as the kid in the big apple
