Bichette Struggles in Mets Debut, Faces Harsh Reality

New York's big offseason acquisition has a tough first series at Citi Field

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:10pm

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Bo Bichette, the Mets' new $126 million third baseman, had a dismal debut weekend in New York, going just 1-for-14 with 8 strikeouts and even hearing boos from the home crowd. Bichette acknowledged his poor performance and said he needs to figure out how to hit at Citi Field, with manager Carlos Mendoza noting Bichette is missing pitches early and chasing high in the zone.

Why it matters

The Mets were counting on Bichette to provide a big boost to their lineup after signing him to a lucrative long-term deal. His early struggles have dampened expectations and raised concerns about his ability to adjust to the pressure of playing in New York.

The details

In the Mets' season-opening series against the Pirates, Bichette went 0-for-5 with 3 strikeouts in the finale, even drawing boos from the Citi Field crowd. For the series, he finished 1-for-14 with 8 strikeouts. Bichette, who led the league in batting average with runners in scoring position last year, acknowledged his at-bats were 'terrible' and said he felt the pressure to deliver for his new team and fans.

  • On March 26, Bichette made his Mets debut in the season opener against the Pirates.
  • On March 27, Bichette went 1-for-5 in the second game of the series.
  • On March 28, Bichette went 0-for-5 with 3 strikeouts in the series finale, drawing boos from the home crowd.

The players

Bo Bichette

The Mets' new $126 million third baseman, who struggled mightily in his first series with the team after leaving the Toronto Blue Jays.

Carlos Mendoza

The Mets' manager, who noted that Bichette is missing pitches early in counts and chasing high in the zone.

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What they’re saying

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

— Bo Bichette, Mets Third Baseman

“I think he's missing good pitches early in counts and then they're making him chase, especially at the top of the zone.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

What’s next

Bichette and the Mets will look to turn things around on a seven-game road trip starting Monday in St. Louis against the Cardinals.

The takeaway

Bichette's dismal debut has raised early concerns about his ability to handle the pressure and expectations that come with playing in New York. The Mets are counting on him to be a key part of their lineup, and he'll need to quickly figure out how to perform at Citi Field if he wants to win over the home crowd.