The New York Mets have started off the 2026 season 7-5 and are just a half-game back in the National League East of the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins, who are tied at the top.
However, last weekend, the Mets received some bad news. Juan Soto left the game on April 3 against the San Francisco Giants with a right calf strain and was placed on the injured list on April 6. Soto will be out for two to three weeks, which is a big blow for the Mets as they try to bounce back from last season’s second half collapse that ultimately took them out of playoff contention.
Soto’s injury has massive implications for the Mets’ roster. In fact, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com points out that this will directly impact rookie outfielder Carson Benge.
“Things haven’t gone swimmingly for Benge, who snapped an 0-for-24 skid Wednesday with a ninth-inning single,” DiComo wrote. “But Soto’s absence, combined with Benge’s defensive skillset, may result in continued opportunities for the rookie.
“Longer term, veteran Minor League signee Tommy Pham is ramping up with plans to be ready by the middle of this month. If Benge continues to struggle at the plate while Pham proves effective in the Minors, it could prompt the Mets to make a change. For now, though, Benge will continue to play.”
Juan Soto’s Injury Directly Impacts Carson Benge
While the Mets may have better options waiting in the wings like Pham, Soto’s injury means that Benge will play more. Perhaps this will give him more time to prove himself.
The 23-year-old outfielder has hit his first career home run, but has struggled in other areas. He is hitting just .108 with a .214 on-base percentage and a .403 OPS.
However, the Oklahoma State product performed well in 14 games in spring training, slashing .366/.435/.439 with an .874 OPS and five RBI. His power hasn’t exactly been on full display yet, but now is a good time to see if he can come into his own.
He hit 15 home runs last season and 18 with Oklahoma State in 2024, so he is capable of hitting for power, but now is a good time to see if that can translate to the major league level.
With Soto out, Benge will got a lot more opportunities unless he continues to struggle and the Mets are forced to go in a different direction. But it should be interesting to see what he is capable of while Soto is inactive.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, losing Soto hurts. Even if Benge was off to a better start, not having Soto active certainly hurts the Mets for the time being, and that will undoubtedly affect them in the coming weeks.
But if Benge can turn things around, the Mets will be able to see what kind of potential he truly has and if he will be able to become a superstar. If he can emerge as a power threat, the Mets could do just fine while they wait for Soto to make his return from the injured list.
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