Mets sign first-round pick, two-way sensation Benge
Anthony DiComo
NEW YORK — The latest piece of the Mets’ future is fully on board.
Two-way player Carson Benge announced Wednesday on Instagram that he has signed his first professional contract with the Mets. Benge will return to Citi Field on Thursday to meet his potential future teammates and club officials, according to a person familiar with the deal.
Terms of the signing bonus were not immediately known. The slot value for Benge’s Draft position at No. 19 overall is $4.22 million.
“Today is another exciting day as we continue to build our farm system,” Mets vice president of amateur scouting Kris Gross said in a statement. “Carson is an incredibly athletic player who can impact the game in multiple facets. I look forward to watching him develop as he begins his journey to the Major Leagues.”
A two-way player at Oklahoma State, Benge posted a .335/.444/.665 slash line as a junior with 18 home runs in 61 games, while also contributing a 3.16 ERA in four starts and 14 relief appearances. While Mets officials see Benge more as a future outfielder than a pitcher, the 21-year-old said on Draft night that he hopes to have a chance to do both in the pros.
“He’s one of the most talented people I’ve ever been around from a pure baseball and athleticism standpoint,” said Nolan McLean, a fellow two-way player in the Mets’ system who attended college with Benge. “I’d like to say I set a good example, but Lord knows Carson’s going to be himself and be his own player.”
The Mets have signed nine of their 20 picks so far, including each of their top three selections: Benge, left-handed pitcher Jonathan Santucci and right-hander Nate Dohm.
