Mets' Bichette takes first reps at third base in spring training

New York's star shortstop works on position change ahead of 2026 season

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:08am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player in an orange and blue uniform fielding a ground ball at third base, the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color.The Mets' star shortstop Bo Bichette takes on a new challenge, working to master the hot corner and solidify the team's infield defense.Port St. Lucie Today

Bo Bichette, the star shortstop for the New York Mets, participated in spring training drills at third base for the first time on February 12, 2026. Bichette has been working on the position change as the team looks to maximize its lineup and defensive alignment ahead of the upcoming 2026 season.

Why it matters

Bichette's move to third base could have major implications for the Mets' roster and lineup construction. As one of the team's top offensive threats, finding a way to keep Bichette's bat in the lineup while also addressing the team's needs at third base is a key priority for the organization.

The details

During the February 12th session at the team's spring training facility in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Bichette took ground balls and worked on his footwork and throwing mechanics at the hot corner. The position change comes as the Mets look to find a way to keep Bichette's bat in the lineup while also addressing their needs at third base, a position that has been a revolving door in recent seasons.

  • Bichette participated in spring training drills at third base on February 12, 2026.

The players

Bo Bichette

The star shortstop for the New York Mets who is working on a position change to third base ahead of the 2026 season.

New York Mets

The Major League Baseball team based in New York City that is exploring a position change for their star shortstop Bo Bichette.

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What they’re saying

“Bo has the athleticism and skill set to make the transition to third base. We're excited to see how he progresses in this new role and how it can benefit our team going forward.”

— Billy Eppler, General Manager, New York Mets

What’s next

The Mets will continue to monitor Bichette's progress at third base throughout spring training as they finalize their roster and lineup for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Bichette's position change to third base is a bold move by the Mets as they look to maximize their offensive potential while also addressing a key defensive need. If the transition is successful, it could pay major dividends for the team in the upcoming season.