Bo Bichette is preparing to make a significant positional change as he takes on the role of third baseman for the New York Mets. After signing a three-year, $126 million contract last month, Bichette arrives in New York ready to leave his mark at the “hot corner,” a nickname that has described third base for more than a century. The switch comes following Bichette’s seven seasons as a shortstop with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he established himself as a key offensive and defensive player.
The move to third base places Bichette alongside shortstop Francisco Lindor, who remains the Mets’ everyday player at that position. Bichette’s prior achievements include 111 home runs, a career batting average of .294, and an .806 OPS. In the 2025 season, he contributed with an impressive .311 batting average, 18 home runs, and 94 RBIs over 139 games, helping Toronto secure the AL East title and a World Series appearance.
Adjusting to the Defensive Demands of Third Base
Bichette has been actively training in Port St. Lucie, Florida, ahead of the Mets’ official team workouts. The former shortstop has noted distinct differences in how third base requires handling plays, particularly on ground balls.
“I feel good over there, but there’s definitely some, I think, timing things,”
Bichette said.
“You definitely have a lot more time at third base than at shortstop, so I’m just trying to figure that out.”
– Bo Bichette, Mets Third Baseman
He highlighted that the defensive movements at third involve more forward and backward charges rather than the lateral agility demanded at shortstop.
“[Third base is] more forward to back than [moving] side to side,”
Bichette explained.
“Shortstop, you definitely have to come in, but having more time at third base is something that I’m getting used to [and] understanding that I can take a little bit more time.”
– Bo Bichette, Mets Third Baseman
While Bichette has yet to play an official game at third base, spring training will provide the opportunity to gain real-game experience, beginning with the Mets’ first exhibition matchup against the Miami Marlins on February 21.
“I haven’t played any games [at third],”
Bichette said.
“That’s going to be my biggest hurdle, but I’m excited and excited to get comfortable there and excited to play games there.”
– Bo Bichette, Mets Third Baseman
Expected Batting Role and Adjusting to the Mets Lineup
With the departure of first baseman Pete Alonso, a cornerstone power hitter who recently joined the Baltimore Orioles, the Mets’ lineup is in transition. Bichette is projected to step into Alonso’s typical third spot in the batting order, right behind Lindor and slugger Juan Soto, who bats second.
Bichette expressed confidence in adapting to any position in the batting order the Mets decide.
“There’s a ton of really good players on this team,”
he noted.
“I think you could line it up any way, but I’ve hit almost everywhere [in the lineup] in my career, so I’m prepared for whatever.”
– Bo Bichette, Mets Third Baseman
Bichette’s track record includes leading the American League in hits in both 2021 and 2022 and earning All-Star honors in 2023. After recovering from an injury-shortened 2024, he played a crucial role in the Blue Jays’ postseason run, delivering a .923 OPS with a home run and six RBIs in seven games despite knee troubles during their contest with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He is optimistic about replicating his success and adding value to the Mets roster as the season gets underway.
“It’s a great team. It’s an exciting city to play in,”
Bichette said.
“I’m excited to be here, and I’m excited to get the season started.”
– Bo Bichette, Mets Third Baseman
Looking Ahead: Bichette’s Impact on New York’s Future
Bo Bichette’s move to third base represents a pivotal step in both his career and the Mets’ evolving roster. His ability to adjust defensively and provide offensive consistency will be closely watched this season. The Mets aim to leverage his talents to maintain their competitiveness in a strong American League East and to build on their recent postseason achievements. As spring training progresses and game action begins, Bichette’s adaptation to the third base position will be a key storyline in New York baseball this year.
