Carson Benge isn’t just making noise with his bat and glove. This rookie is straight-up dominating the Automatic Ball-Strike Challenge system, emerging as the Mets’ most valuable ABS user this season. He’s recorded an incredible 4.2 net overturns versus expected in his favor, a mark that puts him far ahead of any other Met. Seriously, this kid’s brain is working on another level out there.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Benge is Built Different
We all know Benge can hit, field, and run; he might even snag 25 stolen bases this year! But his ABS mastery? That’s the real shocker. His 4.2 net overturns are way out in front on the Mets, leaving Juan Soto in second with 3.5 and Bo Bichette in third with 1.6. Benge’s mark isn’t just good for the Mets, it’s the 29th-best in all of baseball, basically making him an “ace” challenger. It makes sense in a way, since he’s one of the few Mets who had experience with the ABS system coming up through the Minors. But it still takes serious skill to use those challenges correctly, or more importantly, know when *not* to. Just look at fellow rookie A.J. Ewing, who’s actually the Mets’ lowest-ranking ABS user at -3.0 net overturns. The difference is night and day!
Restraint Is This Rookie’s Superpower
So, how’s Benge pulling this off? He’s not just spamming challenges, that’s for sure. Most of his value comes from his incredible restraint, precise timing, and pin-point accuracy. He’s only challenged nine pitches all season, but he’s won six of those. Get this: he hasn’t made an incorrect challenge in over three months, going a perfect 5-0 since May 26! And those five overturns were huge, with two resulting in a walk and one reversing a strikeout. That’s way more pivotal than an early-count change. Statcast even backs it up, showing Benge has tapped his head on just 2.6% of challengeable pitches, well below the 3.7% expected. He’s basically declining all the bad challenge opportunities others would fall for. This is a total contrast to the Mets’ team-wide approach, which feels reckless. Mets batters have challenged 164 pitches this season, tied with the Yankees for the most in baseball, yet their overturn rate is only 50%, tied for 12th-best. That means they’ve racked up 82 overturns (fourth-most) but also lost 82 challenges (third-most). Benge, though, bucks that whole trend, a true shining light of patience in a lineup full of free-tappers.
What’s next for Benge and this emerging ABS strategy? He’s not just a good player, he’s a *smart* player, showing how crucial this new system can be when used right. As the league figures out these challenges and ABS tactics develop over the coming years, Benge is already way ahead, proving that patience and accuracy can totally flip the script. You know other teams are gonna start looking at this kid and rethinking their entire challenge strategy. The game is evolving, and Benge is leading the charge.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Amazin’ Avenue.
Leave a Reply