Mets' Bo Bichette struggling to adjust to new team

Star infielder strikes out 8 times in first 3 games, earning boos from frustrated Citi Field crowd

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:55pm

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In his first three games with the New York Mets, star infielder Bo Bichette is off to a rough start, going 1-for-14 with a league-worst 8 strikeouts. Bichette, who signed a 3-year, $126 million deal with the Mets over the winter, says he's trying too hard to make a big impact for his new team, leading to poor at-bats and a chorus of boos from the Citi Field crowd. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza believes Bichette is 'missing good pitches early in counts' and opposing pitchers are 'making him chase', a departure from his typically high contact rates in Toronto.

Why it matters

Bichette was brought in to be a key offensive piece for the Mets, who are looking to bounce back after a disappointing season. His early struggles at the plate have frustrated fans and raised questions about whether the change of scenery is impacting his performance.

The details

In Sunday's 4-3 extra-inning loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bichette went 0-for-5 with 3 strikeouts, including a crucial groundout with the tying run in scoring position in the 10th inning. Across his first 3 games, Bichette's strikeout rate is a staggering 57.1%, a far cry from the 14.5% rate he posted last season in Toronto, where he was one of the premier hitters in the American League.

  • Bichette signed a 3-year, $126 million deal with the Mets over the winter.
  • The Mets are 1-2 to start the 2026 season.

The players

Bo Bichette

The Mets' new 26-year-old third baseman, who was an All-Star and Silver Slugger with the Toronto Blue Jays before signing with New York in the offseason.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets, who believes Bichette is 'missing good pitches early in counts' and opposing pitchers are 'making him chase'.

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What they’re saying

“If anything, I thought it took too long. But I get it. I thought my at-bats were terrible, too.”

— Bo Bichette, Mets Third Baseman

“I'm not familiar with [these levels of strikeouts], either. I mean, I think I've had stretches in my career where I strike out, but I think I just gotta be more committed in the process. I definitely find myself trying to have a moment out there. So I just gotta get back in the moment...”

— Bo Bichette, Mets Third Baseman

What’s next

The Mets are headed to St. Louis to play the Cardinals for what is the start of a week-long road trip, which could provide Bichette an opportunity to reset and find his rhythm at the plate.

The takeaway

Bichette's early struggles with the Mets highlight the challenges of adjusting to a new team and fanbase, even for a star player. His desire to make an immediate impact may be working against him, and he'll need to refocus on his process to regain the contact skills that made him one of the best hitters in the American League.