While much of the baseball world is focused on the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the New York Mets are quietly continuing preparations for the upcoming MLB season during spring training.
Most of the Mets’ lineup appears largely set heading toward Opening Day. Francisco Alvarez will handle catching duties, Bo Bichette is expected to start at third base, and Francisco Lindor will return to shortstop once he fully recovers from the hamate bone surgery he underwent earlier this offseason. Meanwhile, Marcus Semien is projected to start at second base, Juan Soto will patrol left field, and Luis Robert Jr. anchors center field.
However, there are still a few questions remaining in the lineup.
Remaining lineup battles
Two positions remain somewhat unsettled for New York: first base and right field, along with the designated hitter role.
Veteran Jorge Polanco is expected to open the season as the starting first baseman and could also receive some at-bats as the designated hitter. Meanwhile, Brett Baty could see time rotating between first base, right field, and DH depending on how the lineup develops early in the season.
But one name has quickly become the leading candidate to start in right field.
Carson Benge rising quickly
That player is Carson Benge, the Mets’ first-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.
Selected 19th overall, Benge has moved rapidly through New York’s minor league system and now stands as the organization’s No. 2 prospect, trailing only pitching prospect Nolan McLean.
The 23-year-old outfielder appears poised to claim a major role with the team as soon as Opening Day.
Benge labeled Mets’ biggest X-factor
Bleacher Report analyst Kerry Miller recently identified Benge as the biggest X-factor for the Mets in 2026.
Realistically, expectations for the rookie may initially be modest. If he wins the starting right field job, Benge will likely begin the season batting near the bottom of the lineup, possibly in the ninth spot.
However, his impact could extend far beyond that.
The Mets recently made bold roster decisions by trading away Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, signaling a willingness to accelerate their youth movement and give their top prospect an opportunity.
Because of those moves, Benge’s performance could play an important role in shaping the team’s season.
A high-upside rookie with big expectations
Ideally, the Mets would prefer that their postseason hopes didn’t rely heavily on a rookie with no major league experience.
But if Benge lives up to his potential — or even emerges as a Rookie of the Year candidate — he could provide exactly the kind of spark the Mets need to contend with powerhouse teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League.
With a powerful throwing arm and impressive athleticism already on display during spring training, Benge has shown flashes of why the organization is so excited about his future.
Now the question is whether that promise will translate immediately at the major league level.
If it does, Carson Benge might not just be the Mets’ X-factor — he could become one of the most important players in their 2026 season.
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