New York Mets select Oklahoma State two-way star Carson Benge in 2024 MLB Draft

Oklahoma State two-way star Carson Benge didn’t wait long to hear his name called in the 2024 MLB Draft. Benge was selected No. 19 overall by the New York Mets.

Benge has feature both as a pitcher and outfielder for the Cowboys, excelling at both — he projects as a better hitter in the pros. He played in 120 career games, making 28 appearances as a pitcher, 14 of them starts.

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In his redshirt freshman year in 2023, Benge made 10 starts as a pitcher, and the left hurler posted a 6.69 ERA in 35 innings pitched. In 18 appearances in 2024 — 14 in relief — Benge tossed 37 innings and cut his ERA by more than half to 3.16.

As a batter is where he can do real damage, posting a career batting average of .339. He perked up his power in 2024, hitting 18 home runs and 24 doubles — he hit seven and 17, respectively, as a redshirt freshman.

Benge has multiple years of eligibility remaining, having redshirted in 2022 due to an arm injury that required Tommy John surgery. Should he not sign as a pro, a return to the college ranks remains on the table.

The MLB.com scouting report on Benge projects him to have a better upside as a batter and outfielder than as a pitcher.

“Few college hitters in this class can match Benge’s combination of bat-to-ball skills and high exit velocities,” the report said. “A left-handed hitter, he controls the strike zone and uses the opposite field exceptionally well. He should have solid power thanks to his combination of hitting ability and bat speed, and he did a better job of turning on and lifting more pitches as this spring progressed.

“Benge has average speed and is quicker once he gets going. He’s a solid defender with plus arm strength in right field, and he perhaps could fill in as a center fielder on occasion. He’s intriguing as a quick-armed right-hander with a fastball that reaches 96 mph, a solid slider and the makings of an average changeup and control, but he prefers hitting and has focused more on that this spring.”

But regardless of scouting reports, positional preference or any projections, getting drafted is a moment to celebrate with friends and loved ones before embarking, likely, on a journey to the pros. And Benge is as well-equipped as any to make it to the big leagues.