It’s hard to believe that the New York Mets, with a billionaire owner, might opt for a youth movement after spending so much on a star player like Juan Soto just last season, but that nightmare might become a reality for Amazin’ fans. With the departure of Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, and Brandon Nimmo, the Mets are left scrambling to fill their roster. For fantasy purposes, this presents a unique buying opportunity.
The two most prominent prospects are Ryan Clifford, who seems like a likely Alonso replacement, and Carson Benge, who has already been told he will have the chance to compete in the spring to be the team’s starting center fielder. Clifford is a big-power but still unfinished product. Clifford mashed last year and had one of the best power seasons in the minors, hitting 24 home runs in just 105 Double-A games. This is now his third straight season with a 130 wRC+ or higher, and he will be just 22 years old heading into 2026. He also hit .243/.355/.493 at Double-A as a 21-year-old. It’s rare for a player that young to produce at that level. Across all minor-league levels, he totaled 29 homers and 93 RBIs. However, Clifford carries high strikeout percentages, and his natural uppercut swing makes some scouts wary of his adjustment to MLB pitching.
Carson Benge is the next name fantasy managers should know. Benge has a 20/20 profile that could show up quickly. His bat may go through growing pains, but his speed and athleticism could earn him a roster spot early. He posted a 150 wRC+, ranked 19th in the minors among hitters with 400+ plate appearances, with 15 homers, 22 steals, a 13% walk rate, and just a 20% strikeout rate. His 55-grade speed should play perfectly at Citi Field.
While it’s hard to imagine the deep-pocketed Mets going with two rookies, fantasy managers should know their names. There are worse late-draft dart throws than two players with starting paths and big-time upside.