Mets' Bo Bichette embraces challenge in third base debut: 'It's about the process'

The former Blue Jays shortstop is learning a new position as he looks to help the Mets reach the playoffs.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 4:58am

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Bo Bichette, the former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop, made his debut at third base for the New York Mets in a spring training game against the Miami Marlins. Bichette, who is transitioning to the hot corner as part of the Mets' plan to have four middle infielders often manning the entire infield, embraced the challenge of learning a new position. He acknowledged the different viewpoint and plays he'll need to get used to, but expressed confidence that his experience in reaching the playoffs with the Blue Jays will help the Mets achieve similar success.

Why it matters

Bichette's move to third base is a key part of the Mets' strategy to field a versatile infield, with the hope that his offensive production can help offset any defensive learning curves. As a veteran who has tasted postseason success, Bichette's leadership and experience could also be valuable in helping establish a winning culture in New York.

The details

In his first game at third base, Bichette was tested with a ground ball down the line, which he backhanded before making a long throw that tailed a bit. The play was ruled an error on the first baseman, but Bichette acknowledged the throw could have been better. Mets coach Carlos Mendoza said Bichette was 'fine' in his debut and that the team has liked what they've seen from his arm during camp. Bichette noted the different viewpoint at third base compared to shortstop, saying he can't really look at the hitter and instead has to focus on the contact point. He expects to see many new plays throughout the spring and regular season as he adjusts to the position.

  • Bichette made his Mets debut at third base on February 21, 2026 in a spring training game against the Miami Marlins.
  • Bichette and the Blue Jays lost Game 7 of the World Series to the Dodgers at the end of the 2025 season.

The players

Bo Bichette

A former shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays who is transitioning to third base for the New York Mets this season.

David Stearns

The Mets' executive who has a plan to have four middle infielders often manning the entire infield.

Carlos Mendoza

A Mets coach who said Bichette was 'fine' in his debut at third base and that the team has liked what they've seen from his arm during camp.

Jorge Polanco

A Mets player who will also be learning a new position at first base as part of the team's infield experiment.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Bichette's former teammate with the Toronto Blue Jays, with whom he went through 'a lot of ups and downs' before finding success.

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What they’re saying

“I learned it's not too complicated. It's about having a group of more than 26 guys on the same page come together every day. You have conversations about what it looks like and what you want the identity of the team to be. It comes down to having the entire locker room here to win.”

— Bo Bichette

“Playing third was fun. I'm learning something new.”

— Bo Bichette

“I noticed right away the viewpoint is different [than shortstop]. You can't really look at the hitter. You look at the contact point. There's definitely a lot of stuff I can learn in the game.”

— Bo Bichette

What’s next

The Mets will continue to give Bichette plenty of reps at third base throughout spring training as he works to adjust to the new position.

The takeaway

Bichette's transition to third base is a key part of the Mets' strategy to field a versatile infield, and his experience in reaching the playoffs with the Blue Jays could help establish a winning culture in New York. While there will be a learning curve, the Mets are confident Bichette's bat can help make up for any defensive adjustments he needs to make.