Bo Bichette’s Move to Third Base is Underway
Bo Bichette is starting his transition to playing third base. The former shortstop, who recently signed a three-year contract with the Mets worth $126 million, practiced with coach Carlos Mendoza in Port St. Lucie, Florida, on Monday. This comes just three weeks ahead of when position players report for spring training.
Mendoza shared some early positive feedback about Bichette’s performance, speaking to Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman on a podcast. “He’s an athlete,” Mendoza remarked. “Considering he’s played shortstop for most of his career, watching him navigate third base, field ground balls, and throw to first, I noticed he looks like he’s done this before.”
Bichette, who participated in the 2025 World Series with the Blue Jays, isn’t the only player adjusting to a new role on the Mets. The team also signed Jorge Polanco to a two-year deal worth $40 million to take over first base, a position left open when Pete Alonso signed a five-year contract worth $155 million with the Orioles.
Interestingly, Polanco has only played first base once in his career. Also stepping up at first base will be Brett Batty, who took over for Bichette at third, along with Mark Vientos.
Mendoza commented on Polanco’s background, noting, “He came in as a shortstop and has mainly played in the middle of the field. But I think it’ll take him a bit to adjust to the new position’s demands.”
On the topic of team dynamics, Mendoza shared some insights regarding Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto. Reports in November suggested a bit of tension between the two, with Soto arriving in Queens last year under a record-setting $765 million contract.
Mendoza also recently acquired Freddy Peralta from the Brewers, adding him to the top of the pitching rotation in exchange for Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat.
“We’re familiar with different pitcher types,” he said, “And when we got Peralta, I reached out to people who have worked with him. Everyone praised him as a great teammate and person. He even mentioned he’s eager to report early to Port St. Lucie to meet the team. That really reflects his character.”
Despite a coaching staff overhaul after the Mets’ significant drop last season, Mendoza remains in his position entering the final year of his contract.
He expressed optimism about the upcoming season, noting, “We have a wonderful opportunity ahead. Our owner is invested in our success, and the front office is committed to improving the team. Now, as a coach, this is a crucial moment for me, and I understand where I stand.”
