2024 MLB Draft Profile: Carson Benge

Overview

Position: OF

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 184 pounds

School: Oklahoma State

Carson Benge is a 6’1”, 184-pound outfielder who plays for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Benge is a well-rounded hitting prospect who could also pitch at the next level. On MLB Pipeline, Benge is the 20th-ranked prospect for the 2024 MLB Draft.

Coming out of high school, Benge was highly regarded, especially in his region. On Perfect Game, Benge was the 325th-ranked prospect and the 67th-ranked shortstop in the Class of 2021. He was also the fourth-ranked prospect and #1 shortstop in the state of Oklahoma.

In his freshman season, Benge missed all of the 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery. He was forced to redshirt since he suffered his elbow injury in February. Benge would rehab and prepare to start in the 2023 season.

As a redshirt freshman, Benge was one of the best utility players in college baseball. Benge played in 58 games and started in 52 games. Benge slashed .345/.468/.538 with 68 hits, 17 doubles, seven home runs, 43 RBIs, eight stolen bases, and a 1.006 OPS. He was also named to the All-Big 12 First Team and Freshman All-American Team.

At the plate, Benge is a pure contact hitter who has added power to his game this season (13 HR in 48 G).

He has a good combination of bat-to-ball skills and consistently barrels balls.

Strengths

• Excellent bat-to-ball skills
• Consistently makes loud contact
• Drives the ball well to the opposite field
• Added some power this season
• Controls the strike zone well
• Plus arm strength

Weaknesses

• Was considered a slap hitter last season
• Might be moved to RF
• Overreliant on his fastball as a pitcher
• Needs to develop secondary pitches if he’ll pitch in the minors

Pro Comparison: Michael Brantley

Projection: Top 20 pick (28th on the 2024 MLB Mock Draft Consensus Board as of May 10)

Bottom Line

The Marlins are in the initial stages of their rebuild. Their recent Luis Arraez trade confirms that they are more focused on the future of the club than the present.

However, they have tried this before just six years ago. For the latest rebuild to be more successful than the previous one, the Marlins need to improve their evaluation of draft prospects, especially hitting prospects. Carson Benge is one of the best pure hitters in this draft class—he doesn’t strike out a lot and has added more power to his game.