Mets look in over their head as former Blue Jay Bo Bichette shows defensive struggles

The problem with first impressions is you only get one chance to make them and a former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop hasn't made a great one with his new team. Bo Bichette, who joined the New York Mets as a free agent this past offseason is transitioning to a new position and that transition isn't going well.

Mets look in over their head as former Blue Jay Bo Bichette shows defensive struggles

Bichette is going to be the team's every day third baseman, a position he has never played in the major leagues and there is a ton of video circulating online showcasing his struggles to get acclimated to the new spot. While it's early on in spring and everyone is working out the kinks, this certainly was something the Mets knew was going to be an issue when they threw a boat load of money at Bichette.

The Mets signed Bichette to a three-year $126 million deal, with opt-outs after each season. But they didn't sign him to be the team's every day shortstop, with incumbent superstar Francisco Lindor firmly placed there already. Bichette expressed a willingness to move positions and the Mets were the only ones brave enough to take him at his word.

While Bichette performed admirably as a second baseman during the World Series his defensive issues plagued him throughout his seven-year tenure with the Blue Jays. He was worth -27 in Fielding Run Value (According to FanGraphs) and his range was set at -24, and his Defensive Runs Saved was -19.

The Mets, who were hoping to land Kyle Tucker before he joined the LA Dodgers, had to pivot late in the offseason to get Bichette, in the hopes that the offense would outweigh the defensive deficiencies. They also made the same calculation with Jorge Polanco, who they have signed up to play first base, a position he has played only once in his big league career. And not just one season, or for half a season, Polanco has ONE single game in MLB at first base.

While they should still be a strong team up the middle with Lindor at short and Marcus Semien at second, it seems the Mets have completely overlooked the defense at the corners. They'll have to hope that Bichette can at least hit like an average MLB third baseman to make up for it.

As a shortstop, Bichette has been one of the most consistent hitters in the league over the last several seasons. His .292 batting average ranks third among primary shortstops since 2021, while his 121 wRC+ ranks ninth. Within that same time frame, no third baseman has a batting average that high, while only seven primary third baseman have a wRC+ higher than 121.

There are very few people who think his offense won't be able to translate, but there are many more who think his defense his going to be an issue for the Mets throughout 2026. So far this spring, Bichette hasn't been able to calm some of those fears.