Carson

Benge

Stearns told reporters following the trade earlier this week, “beyond the immediate player return part of this deal, we think this opens up possibilities and flexibility for us going forward, both from a near-term perspective and also allowing space for a number of very young outfielders who are coming, who are talented and will deserve spots at the major league level and to play at the major league level.” While he didn’t single out Benge specifically, Stearns said earlier this offseason that the 22-year-old center fielder — who hit .281/.385/.462 with 15 homers and 22 steals over 116 games across three levels last year — will have a legitimate chance to make the Opening Day roster. His power/speed blend — underscored by a strong 105.9 mph 90th-percentile exit velocity at Triple-A — and his direct pathway to everyday at-bats make him a prime late-round target for fantasy managers next spring.

Benge enjoyed a meteoric rise this past season, emerging as one of the premier prospects in the fantasy landscape after slashing .281/.385/.462 with 15 homers and 22 steals over 116 games across three levels in New York’s system. The 22-year-old outfielder’s blend of power, speed, and advanced plate discipline makes him a potential X-factor for fantasy managers heading into spring training. He’ll likely get a legitimate chance to break camp as the Mets’ starting center fielder — assuming the front office doesn’t land marquee free agent Kyle Tucker this offseason.

There are more than just elite pitching prospects in New York’s system. Benge is one the verge of ascending to top-25 range dynasty prospect status by season’s end as he’s continued making consistent hard contact in the upper minors while also controlling the strike zone at a borderline elite level. The 22-year-old power-hitter went deep for the first time since being promoted to Triple-A and is slashing a robust .305/.410/.507 with 43 extra-base hits, including 13 round-trippers, and 20 steals in 98 games this season.

All three rank inside the Mets’ top 10 prospects, according to MLB Pipeline, with Jett Williams being the top-ranked prospect, Benge ranked 4th, and Clifford ranked seventh. The Mets’ top-ranked pitching prospect, Jonah Tong, was also promoted to Triple-A on Sunday. Benge was the Mets’ first-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, and is one of the fastest risers on top prospect lists after hitting .311/.417/.519 with 12 home runs and 19 steals across 91 games between High-A and Double-A. Williams hit .284 in 95 games at Triple-A with 10 home runs and 32 steals, while Clifford had 24 home runs, four steals, and an .857 OPS in 104 games in Double-A this season. The future of the Mets’ lineup is pretty bright.

Benge told reporters he’ll focus exclusively on hitting as a professional after a two-way collegiate career at Oklahoma State. The 21-year-old outfielder receives a slightly under-slot deal at $3.997 million instead of the full $4.219 for the 16th overall selection.

Benge also pitches, and he posted a 44/11 K/BB with a 3.16 ERA as a relief option for the Cowboys. The reason he’s going this high, however, is he’s a hitter with a chance for four plus tools who hit .335/.444/.665 with 18 homers and 10 stolen bases over 61 games for the Big 12 club. The outfielder did undergo Tommy John surgery before his freshman campaign, but that injury hasn’t changed his offensive outlook. Benge has a chance to be an above-average regular, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was a top-of-the-order hitter in the next two-to-three years.