Third base has been called “the hot corner” for more than 100 years, but Bo Bichette feels he’ll have more time to react to ground balls there.
The new New York Mets third baseman explained his enthusiasm for playing third base and spelled out the differences in his first spring training press conference Thursday in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Bichette, of course, signed a three-year, $126 million contract with the Mets last month. Bichette had been a shortstop with the Toronto Blue Jays but will be New York’s everyday third baseman, since Francisco Lindor is the Mets’ shortstop.
Bichette had 111 home runs and a career .294 batting average and .806 OPS over his first seven seasons in the majors with Toronto. He slashed .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs in 139 games, helping the Blue Jays win the AL East and reach the World Series in 2025.
Bo Bichette Has ‘a Lot More Time at Third’ Base
Though the Mets’ first official team workout won’t happen until Monday, Bichette has been in Florida taking groundballs and learning the intricacies of his new position.
So far, he’s found a few advantageous differences.
“I feel good over there, but there’s definitely some, I think, timing things,” Bichette said. “You definitely have a lot more time at third base than at shortstop, so I’m just trying to figure that out.”
Bichette was asked if he has felt surprised by any of the unique challenges playing third base offers. He explained how third base will require less lateral movement and more charging than he did at short.
“[Third base is] more forward to back than [moving] side to side,” Bichette said. “Shortstop, you definitely have to come in, but having more time at third base is something that I’m getting used to [and] understanding that I can take a little bit more time.”
Practicing at third base is the first major bar for Bichette to clear, but he’ll get thrown into the fire in New York’s spring training games, the first of which will be against the Miami Marlins on Feb. 21.
“I haven’t played any games [at third],” Bichette said. “That’s going to be my biggest hurdle, but I’m excited and excited to get comfortable there and excited to play games there.”
Bo Bichette Will Likely Hit Third in the Mets Lineup
The Mets, of course, lost franchise icon Pete Alonso, a right-handed power bat who had been a fixture at first base throughout his seven seasons before he signed with the Baltimore Orioles.
Yet, Bichette seems likely to replace Alonso in his customary No. 3 hole, behind Lindor and No. 2 hitter Juan Soto. That would be alright with Bichette.
“There’s a ton of really good players on this team,” Bichette said. “I think you could line it up any way, but I’ve hit almost everywhere [in the lineup] in my career, so I’m prepared for whatever.”
Bichette twice led the American League in hits, in 2021 and 2022, and was an AL All-Star in 2023. He bounced back after an injury-plagued 2024 season and nearly willed the Blue Jays past the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers by posting a .923 OPS with a home run and six RBIs in seven games — despite battling a knee injury.
He’s looking forward to having similar success in New York.
“It’s a great team. It’s an exciting city to play in,” Bichette said. “I’m excited to be here, and I’m excited to get the season started.”
Mets Newcomer Bo Bichette Sends Strong Message on Position Switch