Image Credit: George Napolitano/Latino Sports
FLUSHING, NY — Juan Soto’s postgame comments on Thursday praising Mets rookie Carson Benge caught the attention of many out there as the 27-year-old superstar described the 23-year-old, with 41 career MLB games under his belt, as “a leader.”
“He’s a guy who wants to be out there,” Soto said of Benge, slashing .283/.333/.396 (.729 OPS) across his last 15 games with a home run, seven RBI and two stolen bases. “He’s a guy who wants to be a part of every single play. He’s hungry to play the game. He’s showing up every day. He’s having fun. He’s bringing the energy. I feel like he’s the perfect role model to be the leadoff guy.”
Quite the endorsement from one of the best players in the game, a six-time Silver Slugger, four-time All-Star, three-time LatinoMVP and 2019 World Series champion. Especially with it just being Benge’s first three month stretch in the show.
Carson Benge made his MLB debut on Opening Day (March 26th) at Citi Field as the Mets kicked off the 2026 regular season vs. the Pirates – Image Credit: George Napolitano/Latino Sports
“It’s pretty cool when someone like that thinks of you in a high regard,” Benge told Latino Sports Friday as the Mets took part in batting practice prior to falling to the Yankees, 5-2, in the opening game of the first installment of the 2026 Subway Series.
“I’ve picked up a lot (from him), you know, like how he goes about his business and how different things work for different people. But he’s a great leader to have and I’m blessed to be able to play beside him.”
The left-handed hitting outfielder, one of the first Mets out on the field Friday at 3:45PM ET to get geared up for first pitch at 7:15PM ET, has gotten comfortable more and more each day while adjusting to his new life in the majors.
“Just not changing any way I go about my business,” Benge said of his every day mindset. “Just coming to the field ready to compete.”
For his rookie campaign, just over a quarter of the way into the 2026 regular season, Benge—selected by the Mets with the 19th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft—hitting .230 with a .621 OPS, has recorded three home runs, 13 RBI and eight stolen bases.
Friday also marked a career-first for Benge, experiencing his first Subway Series on the diamond, as the same went for his rookie teammate A.J. Ewing, making his MLB debut earlier this week on Tuesday.
“We always were talking about coming up here and playing together in the big leagues, no matter who it was against,” Benge said. “It’s a really cool experience.”
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