The New York Mets made a big swing this offseason when they signed infielder Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million deal. Bichette, a natural shortstop, is shifting over to third base this season with his new team.
Learning a new position at the MLB level is no easy task, but the transition for the two-time All-Star will be made a little bit easier as he’ll have help from Mets’ legend David Wright.
Widely thought of as the best third baseman in Mets’ history, Wright made an appearance at Spring Training to lend a hand to New York’s coaching staff. According to Wright, Bichette had reached out to ask if he was coming down, and if he could give him some pointers at his new position.
“I was excited and surprised when Bo reached out and asked if I was coming down and if I had a few minutes for him,” Wright said. “So I’m not sure what direction that’s going to go into, whether it’s third base or about New York, or whatever the question set is, but I’m excited to meet and spend some time with him.”
Bichette Receiving Pointers From Wright at Spring Training
Bichette was largely signed because of his prowess as a hitter — in 748 career MLB games, he has a batting average of .294 and 111 career homers. He’s a great No. 2 hitter, a base hit and double machine, a guy who will make the lineup much better immediately.
But with Francisco Lindor owning the SS position, New York needed Bichette to find a new spot to play. For a shortstop, that position is almost always second or third base. The Mets have opted for him to shift to the hot corner.
In his 748 career games, Bichette has never played another position besides shortstop. Already below-average fielder, the Mets believe third base could be a sweet spot for him.
And with one of the best third basemen of his generation mentoring him, the transition should be smooth.
Mendoza Praises Wright For Mentoring Bichette
No one is more excited that Wright will be giving pointers to Bichette than Mets’ manager Carlos Mendoza.
“The importance of having guys like that — he was elite at the position — and the fact that he’s here, around, and anything that he can share to Bo is going to go a long way,” Mendoza said. “I think just building that relationship is going to be super important. And just the fact that he’s able to pick his brain face to face instead of over a phone call, David is going to have an opportunity to watch him take ground balls and then just provide some feedback immediately.”
Bichette may have been a below average defender at shortstop, but his weakness was his range. He’s always had a strong arm, and at third base, that matters more than at short. He also doesn’t need as much range as a third baseman, rather, he just needs to have a strong reaction time.
He’s certainly a player with the tools to make the switch. We’ll see if Wright’s pointers make a difference come MLB opening day.
New Mets Star Bo Bichette Is Getting Help From a Mets Legend as He Makes 3B Move