Carson Benge is a weapon. On Monday night at Citi Field, the Mets right fielder made two plays that should make every base runner think twice before stealing home. He threw out Ty France and Manny Machado in the first inning, and the crowd gave him a standing ovation for both. This wasn’t luck. It was pure force. According to ESPN, the second throw hit 103.9 mph, the hardest by a position player this season.
A New Standard for the Outfield
Most teams run on rookies because they expect mistakes. Benge has turned that strategy into a suicide mission. He fired a one-hop throw to home plate to nail France, then did it again moments later against the veteran slugger Machado. Four consecutive hits ended the first inning for the San Diego Padres, yet no runs were scored. That is the power of a strong arm. It stops runs dead. Per ESPN, Benge now has four assists in just 13 innings over three days. The numbers are scary for opponents.
This kind of defense changes how the game is played. You can’t just hit a single and expect to score if the ball is in the air. The outfielders need to be fast, but they also need a cannon. Benge has both. He also threw out a runner at home on Saturday and another rounding second on Sunday. Nine total assists so far. That puts him second in the National League, trailing only Andy Pages of the Dodgers. The gap between good and great is closing fast.
Why Runners Keep Coming Back
It’s wild that teams keep trying to run on him. Benge knows it too. He told reporters before the game that he hopes the runs don’t stop. “Among the aspects of my game I feel most proud of is the ability to display it whenever possible. It’s real fun,” Benge said. He’s not hiding the joy of the play. He wants the challenge. This attitude is rare in young players who often play safe.
San Diego third base coach Bob Henley waved Manny Machado home even after a similar play just happened. Henley apparently didn’t learn his lesson. A high tag applied by catcher Francisco Alvarez got Machado out with a comfortable margin. The throw was a 103.9 mph missile. Another rookie, A.J. Ewing, also threw out a runner at the plate in the second inning. Since 1920, the Mets stand alone as the only team recording three outfield assists within the opening two innings. That stat from SNY proves this is a historic start.
The Gold Glove Case Is Open
Benge is making a loud case for the Gold Glove award. He has thrown out seven runners this season entering Monday’s game. Before the night started, his assist count matched the fourth-highest total in the league. Teams need to stop gambling on his arm. If they keep running, they will keep losing. The 23-year-old former pitcher from Oklahoma State has found his true calling. He has the strength, the accuracy, and the heart to make the big play.
The Mets have a defensive anchor in right field for the long haul. Benge’s arm is the story of the summer. He has nine assists and is climbing the charts.
