Mets Name Rookie Carson Benge Starting RF

0:00It's March 23rd from game day to every day. This is New York Met's news today, powered by AI. The New York Met's have named rookie Carson Benjay their starting right fielder for opening day. This 2024 first round draft pick out of Oklahoma State earned the spot after a strong spring training where he hit 366 with an 874 on base plus slugging in 14 games. He'll make his big league debut Thursday at City Field against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Benjay rocketed through the miners last year, playing just one full professional season across 131 games. He dominated at high A Brooklyn in double, a Binghamton before a brief triple A stint with Syracuse. The Met's traded Brandon Nemo in the offseason and held open the position partly for prospects like him. Manager Carlos Mendoza spoke for the whole team in praising Benjay's readiness and fans are buzzing about the young outfielder joining veterans like Juan Soto and Luis Robert Jr. His quiet confidence helped him mesh quickly with the group focused on winning right away.

1:03An injury to veteran non-Roster invitee, Mike Talkman, clinched the job for Benj late in camp as Talkman needs knee surgery. The former two-way college player brings a strong arm from his pitching days and improved defense, allowing him to cover right field mainly but center. When needed, Benjay faces a tough first test against Pirates ace Paul Schienz, but he's staying calm and ready to soak in the moment as his lifelong dream unfolds on, the big stage.