With the 19th pick of the 2024 MLB Draft, the New York Mets selected two-way player Carson Benge from Oklahoma State. MLB.com ranked Benge as the 18th-best player in this year’s draft.
Despite his experience and decent success as both a pitcher and hitter, many project Benge’s future to be in the outfield. MLB.com describes Benge’s profile as a first-round talent as a hitter and a third-round talent as a pitcher.
In line with this thought process, commissioner Rob Manfred described Benge as an outfielder when announcing his selection at the draft. The Mets did the same when posting the draft pick on social media.
Welcome to the squad, Carson! pic.twitter.com/DdFkwE487k
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 15, 2024
Mets Draft Carson Benge 19th Overall in MLB Draft
Benge impresses as a lefty hitter with a great combination of bat control and power. Per MLB, Benge produces high exit velocities while controlling the strike zone and using the opposite field. The publication is bullish on his ability to tap into his power due to his bat speed and maturity at the plate.
One reason evaluators like Benge is due to his improved power output. In 61 games at Oklahoma State this season, Benge hit .335/.444/.665 with 18 homers and 24 doubles. In 2023, he hit just seven homers and 17 doubles in 53 games.
With the 19th overall pick, the New York Mets have selected OF Carson Benge. Wiry athlete. Noisy operation, but consistently on top. Serious hand speed, barrel explodes thru hitting zone. Adv. feel to hit, 55 PWR. Great athlete with a + arm. Chance for CF. pic.twitter.com/DLK3sa1fU3
— Peter Flaherty III (@PeterGFlaherty) July 15, 2024
There is a lot to like in his offensive profile. However, the Mets likely drafted Benge with ideas of improving his swing. First, Benge hit too many groundballs throughout his college career. Secondly, his power increase came with a strikeout rate increase of 3.5 percent.
Benge could represent the first test for the new Mets player development regime. He holds the potential to be an offensive force at the plate in the majors. But, it seems his future will depend on if the Mets can develop his swing and teach him to let the ball travel further into the zone.
“The Mets were one of the top teams that I wanted to go to”
Carson Benge on being drafted 19th overall by the Mets: pic.twitter.com/KJhLteQqto
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 15, 2024
Following his selection, Benge told reporters that the Mets were one of the top teams he wanted to draft him. Additionally, he spoke highly of many team personnel he met with during the draft process.
While he also revealed he wants to continue as a two-way player, it remains to be seen how that plays out. If he doesn’t pitch, he currently projects as a corner outfielder who can shift to center if he develops into his body and size.
Photo Credit: © Mitch Alcala/For The Oklahoman / USA TODAY NETWORK
