Mets Reveal Benge and Baty to Switch Positions Under Two Conditions

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza hints at lineup flexibility with outfielder Carson Benge and infielder Brett Baty.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New York Mets are planning to have outfielder Carson Benge switch to center field and infielder Brett Baty take over in right field, but only when two conditions are met: Luis Robert Jr. is off the field and the Mets are facing a right-handed pitcher. Manager Carlos Mendoza has indicated the Mets will be flexible with their lineup this season as they look to bounce back from last year's disappointment.

Why it matters

The Mets' willingness to move players around the field shows a commitment to adaptability and maximizing their roster's versatility. This could give them an advantage in matchups and help them find the best defensive alignment, but it also introduces uncertainty around the players' roles.

The details

Baty, who has primarily played third base, has only one career appearance in the outfield for the Mets. However, Mendoza believes Baty's left-handed bat and right-handed throwing arm make him a viable option in right field. Meanwhile, rookie Benge has been the Mets' starting right fielder, but could shift to center field in certain situations.

  • The Mets' lineup changes will take effect when Luis Robert Jr. is not in the lineup and the team is facing a right-handed pitcher.

The players

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets, who has indicated the team will be flexible with their lineup this season.

Carson Benge

A rookie outfielder for the New York Mets who has been the team's starting right fielder but could shift to center field in certain situations.

Brett Baty

An infielder for the New York Mets who has primarily played third base but could see time in right field this season.

Luis Robert Jr.

An outfielder for the New York Mets whose absence will trigger the position changes for Benge and Baty.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“New York plans to have Brett Baty take over at right field and Benge switch to center field whenever two conditions are met: Luis Robert Jr. is off the diamond and the Mets are facing a right-handed batter.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Manager, New York Mets

What’s next

The Mets will monitor the lineup changes and defensive alignments throughout the season to see if the position switches for Benge and Baty pay off.

The takeaway

The Mets' willingness to experiment with their lineup and move players around the field shows a proactive approach to finding the best combinations, but it also introduces uncertainty around player roles and could take time to fully implement.