The New York Mets signed Bo Bichette to a multi-year deal in the offseason, expecting him to be a key contributor. However, early reports from Spring Training reveal challenges as Bichette adapts to playing third base, causing anxiety among Mets fans worried about his defensive performance.
Fielding Drills Highlight Defensive Struggles
Recent footage shared by SNY Mets showed Bichette participating in fielding drills where he struggled to consistently handle balls cleanly, fueling speculation about his readiness at third base. Fans on social media expressed their unease, with one user questioning,
“How can a professional look this bad?”
while another remarked,
“Biggest downside, he does not possess a strong or very accurate throwing arm, of course, the upside is his ability to get on base,”
reflecting the mixed reactions about his defense compared to his offensive skills.
Adapting to a New Position after Playing Shortstop
Bichette is set to play third base for the first time this season, as Francisco Lindor retains the shortstop position. His fielding percentage has been strong overall, with a career mark of .966 and last season’s .972, but the position change presents fresh hurdles. While the adjustment may be difficult initially, Bichette embraces the new role to support the team’s success.
Joining an Elite Group of Position Switchers
Bichette follows the footsteps of notable MLB players such as Alex Rodriguez, Cal Ripken Jr., Manny Machado, Miguel Tejada, and Edgar Renteria, all of whom transitioned from shortstop to third base with positive results. Historical trends show that these players often found greater success after the switch, as third base typically demands less range and agility than shortstop.
Time to Develop and Impact on the Mets’ Future
With approximately six weeks until the regular season, Bichette has time to acclimate defensively at third base. His continued training aims to shore up his defensive skills, complementing his offensive contributions. If he masters third base, Bichette could become a vital asset for the Mets, strengthening their infield defense while maintaining his offensive threat at the plate.
Bo Bichette does some fielding drills pic.twitter.com/x1rPWrvrVL
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) February 12, 2026
