Carson Benge, A.J. Ewing blossoming into Mets bright spots as extension questions loom

Like JJ Wetherholt in St.Louis, Carson Benge was a first-round pick in 2024 out of a Big 12 college. They’re both 23 years old and are off to fast starts in their rookie seasons.  Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.

Perhaps the main difference between the two — other than that Wetherholt is a second baseman and Benge is a right fielder — is that Wetherholt just signed an eight-year, $112.5 million contract extension that takes him through the 2034 season with the Cardinals. Benge, meanwhile, remains on his rookie deal with the Mets. Asked if the deal Wetherholt secured was on his mind, Benge laughed and said it wasn’t. “I’m sure he wasn’t thinking about it before, either,’’ Benge said before the Mets faced the Red Sox on Saturday at Citi Field. But in what’s been a season to forget so far in Queens — and one that’s almost certain to get worse as the Aug.3 trade deadline approaches and the team prepares to sell off what it can — the emergence of Benge and fellow rookie A.J.

Ewing is a bright spot. Ewing has settled into the leadoff spot and center field, and the Mets have said the 21-year-old is expected to stay there long term, despite his ability to play second base. And Benge has continued to hit well after a rough start immediately following his Opening Day debut.As he showed Friday, he can also make an impact in right field with his arm and athleticism. As the Mets determine their strategy for the trade deadline, which could include finding buyers for Saturday’s starter, Freddy Peralta, as well as any bullpen pieces they can trade — whether it’s an obvious candidate like lefty A.J.

Minter or perhaps someone more valuable like Luke Weaver — they’ll also be keeping an eye on the future.  Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Please provide a valid email....