The Mets infielder is getting comfortable in his new threads and position with spring training underway.
The 27-year-old saw just two at-bats in his first appearance as a Met, but spoke glowingly about the opportunity to be back competing for a new club while making the switch to a new position. "It was great," Bichette said.
"Just try to keep it like any other game, I've been playing baseball my whole life but it was good to play in front of the fans, playing third was fun. Learning something new, so it's exciting."Bichette assumed his new position at third base, looking to gain some comfortability on the hot corner after spending the first seven years of his career at shortstop. The Mets have been firm in this transition, refusing to move Bichette off of third this spring despite the injury to Francisco Lindor. Bichette was challenged with a tough play at third in the top of the fourth inning, where he was forced to his right deep in the corner of the infield. He made a play on the bouncing ball and fired to first in time, but the throw was slightly off the mark and pulled Jose Rojas off the bag, who was unable to complete the tag and allowed a run to score. In his first game as a Met, Bo Bichette's throw pulls first baseman Jose Rojas off the bag, and he can't complete the tag"the throw could have been better," and added "it's a new challenge. I'm working on that play in practice, and I was really happy to get that play today." Their commitment to getting Bichette reps at third could be an exciting proposition for fans over the next couple of months, as the star slugger will likely see increased playing time in spring training games. When asked if there is a specific number of at-bats or games that he would like to get in during the spring to feel ready for the season, especially given the adjustment period for a new position, Bichette wouldn't put a limit on it."I love playing, so however many they'll let me play," he joked. "Like you said I'm learning a new position, getting comfortable with a new team. So probably the more the better but keeping in mind we got a long season coming. I'll be ready to suit up whenever they let me get out there."Bichette's eagerness to get out there and play is not surprising, given his track record as a fierce competitor with a drive to grow and improve from year to year. If there were any questions about Bichette's ability to hit the ball after an injury-riddled 2024 campaign where he hit just .225 across 81 games, they were silenced by his incredible 2025 where he hit .311 with an .840 OPS.But where the star slugger will have to show improvement this offseason will be on the defensive side. Despite playing the toughest infield spot for his whole career, Bichette possesses a below average glove and was -12 in defensive runs saved last year. While third base could prove to be an easier load to handle, it is no simple task moving positions this late in your career, especially when Bichette has yet to move around the diamond at all in seven years. Regardless, Bichette wasn't brought to New York for his glove. If he can be a serviceable option at third base while posting 20-plus home runs with one of the league's best averages and OBP, he will be worth every penny of his massive 3-year, $126 million deal. And lucky for Mets fans, added reps in spring training may be just what he needs to get there.Ezra Lombardi is a contributing writer for the Mets On SI site. He has previously written for The Lead and the Hamilton College Spectator. He graduated from Hamilton College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy and played football. You can follow him on Twitter @LombardiEzra
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Virginia Tech Baseball vs. Rutgers, Series Preview and PredictionJosh Poslusny breaks down a series preview for Virginia Tech vs Rutgers.
Read more »
Favorites, contenders to watch in 2026 Group 4 boys basketball sectional tournamentsThe NJ.com boys basketball staff breaks down the Group 4 sectional tournaments
Read more »
Marlins Manager Breaks Down How Pitchers Can Work on AthleticismThe Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough joined the first episode of “Spring with the Skipper,” which is about the behind-the-scenes of pitchers' fielding practice.
Read more »
Armorsaurs Team Breaks Down Series Origins, Creating a Modern Kids Show, and Power Rangers Comparisons (Exclusive)The Armorsaurs Team Breaks Down Series Origins, How They Tried To Create a Modern Kids Show, and Power Rangers Comparisons
Read more »
Asking Eric: Couple’s happy marriage breaks down over laundryJoe Nguyen is a digital strategist for The Denver Post. Previously he was the online prep sports editor. Prior to that, he covered Adams County and Aurora in the YourHub section. He has previously covered Colorado’s Asian-American communities as editor for Asian Avenue magazine and AsiaXpress.com.
Read more »
The Night Agent Creator Breaks Down That Season 3 DeathThe Night Agent creator, Shawn Ryan, has revealed the creative reason behind killing off this fan-favorite agent in Season 3.
Read more »