The New York Mets opened their 2026 spring training slate with a 2-1 loss to the Miami Marlins. As spring training continues, one position remains up for grabs: right field. Here’s a look at the options and who is vying for the spot ahead of Opening Day (March 26).
1. Carson Benge
During the offseason, Carson Benge was notified by the president of baseball operations, David Stearns, that he would be invited to major league camp for the first time in his career. Since then, the 23-year-old has impressed early in camp.
Drafted in the first round (19th overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft, Benge quickly climbed through the minor leagues. Despite appearing in just 24 games at the Triple-A level last season — and enduring some struggles — the Mets believe he is ready for the opportunity to prove himself. Stearns won’t rush things with Benge if the outfielder isn’t ready, but the organization clearly values his upside.
After Juan Soto shifted to left field, Benge entered camp in the mix for playing time in right. A two-way player at Oklahoma State, Benge can reach the mid-to-upper 90s on the mound. Manager Carlos Mendoza noted that he has a “plus-plus arm.”
“I would say I’m more comfy in right just because I played my whole college career in right,” Benge said. “I love letting it eat.”
2. Tyrone Taylor
Since being acquired by the Mets in December 2023, Tyrone Taylor has primarily served as the club’s everyday center fielder. However, with the addition of Luis Robert Jr., Taylor shifts to right field and enters a competition with Benge and others for playing time.
Known for his defensive ability, Taylor has logged extensive experience in the outfield, including time in right. His bat, however, will need to rebound. The 32-year-old struggled offensively last season, finishing with a .225/.279/.319 slash line, two home runs, 27 RBIs, and a .598 OPS.
3. Brett Baty
After the Mets snatched Bo Bichette from the Phillies in free agency, Brett Baty was left without a clear role. Baty made strides offensively, hitting 18 home runs and posting a .111 OPS+ last season. Defensively, Baty manned the hot corner as well as second base — and looked great. Before it was made public that the club would sign Bichette, the Mets called Baty to reassure him he would get playing time — somewhere.
“They actually called me before we signed [Bichette]. I was always in the loop there, and they always had my back,” Baty said. “This is David [Stearns] and [Carlos Mendoza] and everybody up front. They said, ‘We want you to get the at-bats; we don’t know where it’s going to come from, but we think you’re versatile enough to play all over the diamond.'”
Baty has seen time in the outfield before. In previous years in the minor leagues, the Mets had the former 2019 first-round pick play left field. If Benge begins the season in Triple-A, Baty will likely be the best outfield option offensively.
4. Mike Tauchman
The Mets signed Mike Tauchman to a minor-league deal with a non-roster invite to spring training. The deal included an opt-out in the event that he doesn’t make the team. A veteran outfielder, Tauchman, 35, while with the Chicago White Sox last season, made 73 appearances in right field. Over 93 games and 385 plate appearances, Tauchman, a left-handed batter, had a .756 OPS with nine home runs. Fielding metrics such as Outs Above Average and Arm Value, per Baseball Savant, put him around league average.
Over the last three seasons, Tauchman owns a .359 on-base percentage. Over that stretch, his walk and chase rate have typically ranked among the best in the league.
5. MJ Melendez
The Mets signed MJ Melendez to a split contract (different salaries in majors and minors). Melendez more than likely won’t make the starting lineup on Opening Day, but with injuries to the aforementioned players, Melendez could get a spot on the bench, which is still not complete. Last season, the 27-year-old produced a .263/.323/.813 slash line in Triple-A, hitting 20 home runs and driving in 64 runs over 107 games.
Importantly for the Mets, Melendez has an accessible minor league option, meaning the team can shuttle him back and forth between the majors and minors without penalty.
Main Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
