Mets sign 2024 first-round pick Carson Benge

The Mets announced they have signed outfielder Carson Benge, the team’s first-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, to a contract on Wednesday.

Benge, out of Oklahoma State, was selected 19th overall in this year’s draft. The Mets confirmed that Benge will begin his career at the Florida Complex League in Port St. Lucie, FL.

“Today is another exciting day as we continue to build our farm system,” said Vice President, Amateur Scouting Kris Gross. “I want to congratulate Carson and his family on all the hard work they have put in to get to this point. 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.

“Additionally, I want to thank David Stearns, the Amateur Scouting Staff, and the entire Baseball Operations Department for their time and dedication. The draft is a process that starts months before any pick is ever made and the entire team put in long hours and diligent work to make today a success.”

Benge hit .335/.444/.665 with 18 home runs and 64 RBI in 61 games in his sophomore year with Oklahoma State. The 6-foot-1 outfielder was a finalist for the 2024 Dick Howser Trophy as well as the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award. He was named a 2023 Freshman All-American and was a two-time First Team All-Big 12 selection (2023 and 2024).

On the mound, the right-hander posted a 3.16 ERA with 11 walks and 44 strikeouts in 2024.

Wednesday’s signing of Benge is just one of a few official contracts given to 2024 draft picks this week. On Saturday, the organization signed eight draft picks and five undrafted free agents.

SNY’s Prospects Writer Joe DeMayo has put Benge as the organization’s No. 8 prospect.

“The first-round pick out of Oklahoma State was a two-way player in college but the expectation as of now is that he will focus strictly on hitting in pro ball,” DeMayo wrote. “He has strong plate discipline and contact ability to go with above-average raw power, primarily to the opposite field right now.”