Mets Face 3 Roster Questions Ahead of Opening Day

Top prospect Carson Benge makes strong case for starting right field job

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:59pm

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The New York Mets have three key roster questions to resolve before Opening Day, including the status of top prospect Carson Benge, who has impressed in spring training and solidified his case to be the team's starting right fielder.

Why it matters

The Mets are looking to build on a strong 2025 season and make a deep playoff run in 2026. Resolving these roster questions will be crucial as they finalize their 26-man roster and prepare for the season opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The details

Carson Benge, the Mets' top position prospect, has posted a .406/.472/.500 slash line in 11 Grapefruit League games this spring. He has also excelled defensively and on the bases, solidifying his case to crack the Opening Day roster as the starting right fielder.

  • The Mets' season opener is scheduled for next Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field.
  • Spring training is currently underway in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

The players

Carson Benge

The Mets' top position prospect who has impressed in spring training and is making a strong case to be the team's starting right fielder on Opening Day.

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What they’re saying

“I just felt like I wanted to come in and play the way I know how, play hard. I feel like I have done that.”

— Carson Benge

What’s next

The Mets will need to finalize their 26-man roster ahead of the season opener next Thursday against the Pirates.

The takeaway

The Mets have a promising young talent in Carson Benge, who has seized the opportunity in spring training and put himself in position to earn a starting job on Opening Day. How the Mets resolve their remaining roster questions will be crucial as they look to build on their success from last season.