Mets' Bo Bichette weathers first test at third base in spring training debut
Mets third baseman Bo Bichette during a spring training workout on Feb. 13, 2026, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Well, at least he got that one out of the way.
With two outs and two on in the fourth inning of the Mets’ spring training opener against the Marlins at Clover Park, Connor Norby hit a high chopper to Bo Bichette – the converted shortstop’s first real challenge at third base. Bichette, playing back, gloved it on the backhand and made the long throw, a little wide, to Jose Rojas. For a moment, it seemed like he had gotten the out, but the ball bounced out of Rojas’ glove for a run-scoring error on the first baseman.
“Playing third was fun,” he said after. “Learning something new is exciting…I think (choppers are) do or die for a reason. You’ve just kind of just go for it fearlessly and try to make the play. I feel good with them but there’s a ton I’m going to have to learn by playing these games.”
Bichette, who hasn’t played third since travel ball, made two plays over four innings in the Mets' 2-1 loss to the Marlins – a pop up and that chopper. The result is less important than the process, and before the game, Mendoza outlined the things he wants Bichette to experience at game speed.
“That chopper where he has to make a decision right after contact,” Mendoza said. “Positioning is important as well – no one on, double play situation, guys that can bunt… There’s a lot (to do), once we start playing games – cuts and relays, you’ve just got to get used to, every time there’s a runner at second base, if that ball is hit to left field, you’ve got to get back to the cut position. That’s something new for him. (Also, there’s) the fly ball to foul territory. There’s a lot that only game speed will provide.”
This chopper wasn’t exactly what Mendoza meant – he was talking about one where Bichette would have to charge in – but it’s all going to be a work in progress. Either way, he was impressed with Bichette’s arm strength, and Bichette was glad for the exposure.
“I noticed right away the viewpoint is different (because) you kind of can’t really look at the hitter and have to look at the contact point,” Bichette said. “There’s definitely a lot of stuff that I can learn in the game …I’m just enjoying the new challenge.”
Notes & quotes: Justin Hagenman will get the start Sunday against the Yankees in Tampa, while Clay Holmes, ramped up early in preparation for the World Baseball Classic, will start against the Blue Jays Monday… Starter Brandon Waddell pitched two perfect innings with three strikeouts.
Laura Albanese is the Mets beat writer for Newsday. She's been covering MLB since 2014 after starting at Newsday as an intern seven years earlier.
