Despite starting well, the 2025 season turned out to be quite a disappointing one for the New York Mets. Not only did they give up their lead atop the NL East in the second half, but a late-season collapse also saw them miss out on the postseason altogether.
Looking to bounce back in 2026, the organization signed one of the top free agents of the winter, Bo Bichette, to a three-year, $126 million contract.
Offensively, Bichette, who hits right-handed, can slot perfectly into the Mets’ top order, between lefty hitters Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto. From a defensive standpoint, however, Bichette will have to get used to a new role.
Having played primarily as a shortstop for the Blue Jays, Bichette will now be playing at the hot corner, given that the Mets have Lindor penciled in at shortstop. Naturally, fans have been slightly concerned about how seamless the transition will be and how well the Mets’ new-look infield works in tandem.
During Sunday’s episode of “SportsNite,” SNY’s John Harper delivered his verdict on the infield that seems to be taking shape.
“There’s going to be a lot of ground balls caught. Shortstops can do anything; they can play anywhere. They’re going to put that to the test this year. I mean, it’s going to be no problem for Bichette, moving to third. Actually, his weakness was his range, according to all these analytics,” Harper said.
“I think in that sense, maybe it is a good thing for him moving to third. As far as (Jorge) Polanco (is concerned), that’s a little different; you got the footwork at first base and all that stuff. But again, I think he’ll make that transition. I like the idea that (Brett) Baty could end up playing some first base as well,” he added.
Sportscaster Marc Malusis picked up where Harper left off.
“Only one of them can still play shortstop, and that being Francisco Lindor. Then, you look at Marcus Semien, who obviously is a Gold Glove defensive second baseman. So, if you’re Freddy Peralta, I think you’re excited about the opportunity. Hopefully, for the Mets, everything works out in the infield,” Malusis said.
Mets Skipper Has His Say On Bo Bichette’s Potential At The Hot Corner
Making an appearance on January 26’s episode of “The Show,” Mets skipper Carlos Mendoza offered his opinion on Bo Bichette’s potential at third base, based on what he’s seen in workouts so far.
“We’re recording this in the afternoon, and I spent this morning with Bo, watching him take ground balls at third base. They (signs) were encouraging. He’s an athlete, man. We’re looking at a guy that has played shortstop pretty much his whole career, right,” Mendoza said (22:13).
“Watching him today, moving around third base, taking ground balls, creating angles, and then his throws to first base. I was just telling him, it looks like he’s played here before. So, it was exciting that I had that opportunity today. He’s super excited, working really hard. Like I said, he’s an athlete, I think it’s just a matter of getting game reps,” he added.
Bichette is coming off an extremely impressive campaign, wherein he batted .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs, helping the Toronto Blue Jays win the AL East for the first time since 2015. Mets fans will hope to see more of the same from the infielder in 2026.
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