PORT ST. LUCIE — The best spring training story is always about “Next.”

About the guy you have heard about but have not really seen. The word-of-mouth player who is skying up best-prospect lists. The one who exists in the imagination of possibility in an age when so much mystery has been removed by, among other items, the movie camera we carry at all times.

Access the Mets beat like never before

Don’t miss Mike Puma’s text messages from Queens and beyond — he’s giving Sports+ subscribers the inside buzz on the Mets.

Carson Benge is “Next” in this Mets camp.

The blind date we have heard so much about, but have seen glowingly through other’s eyes.