NEW YORK — Bo Bichette’s influence on rookie outfielders A.J. Ewing and Carson Benge is so strong that some people within the New York Mets are convinced it even sways their batting practice attire.
“Bo has been like a big brother to them,” Mets interim manager Andy Green said. “Dare I say, A.J. doesn’t wear sleeves for BP because Bo doesn’t wear sleeves for BP.”
Really?
“Oh, my god,” Ewing said deadpan. “You should write in that story, ‘A.J. was appalled that Andy would say such nonsense.’ Unbelievable.”
While Ewing called Bichette one of his favorite players, it’s possible Ewing came up with a no-sleeves look for batting practice all on his own. Even though Bichette has rejected sleeves going back multiple seasons, such history could just be a coincidence. Right?
Speculation about clothing aside, Green’s larger point checks out. During a bad season for the team, multiple veteran players made Ewing and Benge feel welcome in the Mets’ clubhouse. Bichette, however, prioritized supporting them.
“Me, him and A.J. just really connected over these last few months,” Benge said.
As the summer went on and the Mets’ season spiraled toward irrelevance, Bichette resolved to show the rookie outfielders what a strong work ethic looks like and what being a consistent teammate includes.
A.J. Ewing, right, said Bichette is ‘approachable’ and appreciates his direct communication style. (Gregory Fisher / Imagn Images)
Mets players and coaches said Bichette’s demeanor has stayed the same throughout the season, regardless of how brutal his offensive numbers were in the first half (.677 OPS) or how much they’ve perked up in the second half (.793 OPS). Defensively, Bichette has worked daily with bench coach Kai Correa and other staffers to become solid at third base, a new position.
“Everybody, when they go and talk to Bo every single day, they know what they’re getting from him,” Ewing said. “That means a lot. It makes him very approachable.”
Benge added, “There’s not much more you can ask from someone than what Bo gives.”
Bichette holds a player option for 2027 worth $41 million, but whether his stay with the Mets lasts just one season or not, his leadership toward Benge and Ewing could create an outsized impact.
Bichette, in his eighth year, took Benge and Ewing under his wing. In the dugout or in the clubhouse, it is common to see Bichette talking with one or both players. He took them out to socialize. He got to know them. Bichette joked that as a 28-year-old, he had to learn a new dialect to connect with Benge, 23, and Ewing, 22. Mostly, he led by example and made himself available for them.
“I see potential in them that they could be really great players for a long time,” Bichette said. “They’ve already shown they are good players. But they could be great players for a long time. They both want to be great. That’s the biggest thing. I really just want to be a small part in their journey toward becoming those players.”
By the time the Blue Jays called up Bichette in 2019, Toronto was a young, losing team lacking a robust veteran presence. Bichette, a two-time All-Star, experienced ups and downs. It wasn’t until Marcus Semien, now the Mets’ regular second baseman, joined the Blue Jays in Bichette’s third year in the majors that Bichette found a mentor.
“At times I wished I had a more established player along the way to kind of help me my first couple years,” Bichette said. “Eventually Marcus came along and helped me a lot. I’ve always wanted to be ready to have an impact on guys going through their first year or two in the big leagues.”
In turn, Bichette received friendship from Ewing and Benge with an added bonus of a fresh perspective.
“Just seeing their drive and desire, it makes you not want to let them down,” Bichette said.
For the Mets, Benge and Ewing look like long-term keepers. They both impact the game with offense, defense and speed. How both rookies navigate their first full seasons matters. Bichette’s help in that regard is important.
“As the season has gone on, the more time I spend here, the more I feel like a Met,” Bichette said. “So with that comes becoming more invested in every part of the organization. Not just them. But everything. They’re a huge part of the future here, and I just want what’s best for them.”
To be clear, Bichette would’ve treated Ewing and Benge the same whether he was under contract beyond 2026 or not, he said — meaning, regardless of which choice for next season he holds up his sleeve.
