Carson Benge Named Mets' Opening Day RF

0:00It's March 23rd, I'm Cory with The Story, and this is MLB News Today, your AI-powered baseball briefing. The New York Mets have named 23-year-old Carson Benj, their starting right-fielder for opening day. Manager Carlos Mendoza made the announcement after the young outfielder impressed throughout spring training. Benj earned the spot over other contenders with consistent play. In 14 great fruit league games, Benjay hit 366 with a 435 on-base percentage and solid power numbers driving in five runs. He also added a home run in an exhibition matchup showing he belongs at the big league level. Fans and analysts are buzzing about this rookie breakthrough. It's the first time since Peter Lanzo in 2019 that a Mets rookie position player starts on opening day. Benjay looks calm at the plate and flashes strong throwing arm in right field. He joins an elite outfield with Juan Soto patrolling left and Lewis Robert Jr. in center. The first round pick from the 2024 draft out of Oklahoma State rounds out a talent

1:02to group. Benjay makes his major league debut Thursday, March 26 against Paul Schienz and the Pittsburgh pirates, kicking off what could be a breakout season for the Mets.