Carson

Benge

Benge told reporters he’ll focus exclusively on hitting as a professional after a two-way collegiate career at Oklahoma State. The 21-year-old outfielder receives a slightly under-slot deal at $3.997 million instead of the full $4.219 for the 16th overall selection.

Benge also pitches, and he posted a 44/11 K/BB with a 3.16 ERA as a relief option for the Cowboys. The reason he’s going this high, however, is he’s a hitter with a chance for four plus tools who hit .335/.444/.665 with 18 homers and 10 stolen bases over 61 games for the Big 12 club. The outfielder did undergo Tommy John surgery before his freshman campaign, but that injury hasn’t changed his offensive outlook. Benge has a chance to be an above-average regular, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was a top-of-the-order hitter in the next two-to-three years.