Bo Bichette Embraces the Exciting Challenge of Transitioning to Third Base with the Mets
NEW YORK (AP) — Bo Bichette has had a wealth of baseball insights handed down from his father, Dante Bichette, over the years, especially when it comes to performing under pressure and navigating the world of free agency. However, there’s one area where his father, a former MLB star, has little advice to offer: playing third base.
After signing a lucrative three-year contract worth $126 million with the New York Mets, Bichette was officially welcomed by the team at a lively news conference held at Citi Field on Wednesday, where he donned a No. 19 jersey to the delight of fans and reporters alike.
A two-time All-Star who previously played shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays, Bichette is set to transition to the hot corner for the Mets, as Francisco Lindor has solidified his position at shortstop. Bichette candidly admitted that he hasn’t stepped onto a third base field since his teenage years in travel ball.
"I’m really looking forward to this challenge. Like anything worthwhile, it’s going to require effort to excel, and I’m fully committed to putting in that work to succeed," he stated.
He acknowledged that adjusting to the various plays and positioning required at third base will take some time, but he remains optimistic about mastering the new role. "It’s all within reach," he asserted confidently.
Dante Bichette, who was present at the press event along with other family members, enjoyed a celebrated MLB career as a four-time All-Star outfielder between 1988 and 2001. While he was more known for his batting prowess than his defensive skills, he humorously revealed that he once played an inning at third base for Milwaukee in 1991.
"I had no idea he did that! It would certainly be fun to see," Bo said with amusement, reflecting on the playful banter between father and son.
Despite the lighthearted jabs, the Mets are optimistic about Bichette's ability to make this transition successfully. After struggling defensively at shortstop last season, Bichette entered free agency open to moving positions, and he plans to reach out to his former Toronto teammate Matt Chapman, a five-time Gold Glove winner, for some valuable insights.
"Bo is a player who is highly regarded for his intelligence and dedicated work ethic on the field," remarked Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns. "When you combine those attributes, it gives us confidence that he can adapt and improve. Bo believes in his ability to make this adjustment, and our observations support that belief."
In a surprising move, Bichette chose the Mets over division rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies, bringing his strong right-handed bat to complement lefty slugger Juan Soto. "I understand that playing in New York presents its own set of challenges, but I am not intimidated by it. On the contrary, I am thrilled and ready to embrace it," Bichette expressed. "The fans here hold players accountable, and as an athlete striving to reach my full potential, that accountability is a positive force."
Last season, Bichette achieved impressive statistics, batting .311 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, and an .840 OPS over 139 games. His previous team, the Blue Jays, narrowly missed the World Series title. Notably, he hit a pivotal three-run homer against Shohei Ohtani in Game 7 of the series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also boasts an impressive .330 career batting average with runners in scoring position since 2019, ranking him third among qualified hitters in the league.
"I wouldn’t say my eyes light up, but I definitely feel a heightened focus in those moments," he explained. "My dad always emphasized the importance of driving in runs, so I've dedicated a lot of effort to honing that skill."
Bichette, who will celebrate his 28th birthday this March, received a $40 million signing bonus due on March 15, alongside a $2 million salary this year. His contract includes player options worth $42 million for both 2027 and 2028. Should he decline either option, he would receive a $5 million buyout, distributed in $1 million increments each July from 2036 to 2040.
"We had extensive discussions regarding the various structures of the contract. Bo had multiple options for long-term deals and shorter ones with opt-outs," noted his agent, Greg Genske. "Ultimately, his priority was to find a place where he felt he could develop as a player while also having a shot at competing for championships."
New Bullpen Addition
In another move, the New York Mets signed right-handed reliever Luis Garcia to a one-year contract worth $1.75 million, which could increase with performance bonuses based on the number of games he pitches. Garcia, who turns 39 soon, had a record of 2-2 with a 3.42 ERA and two saves across 58 appearances last season, playing for the Dodgers, Nationals, and Angels. Over his 13-year major league career, he holds a record of 28-30 with a 4.07 ERA and 17 saves.
To accommodate Garcia on the 40-man roster, infielder Tsung-Che Cheng has been designated for assignment.
