NEW YORK — Not until the seventh inning of merely his third contest with the New York Mets did Bo Bichette encounter jeers from the home fans at Citi Field for the first time.
He expressed astonishment that their disapproval wasn’t articulated sooner.
“Honestly, I felt it dragged on,” Bichette remarked following the Mets’ 4-3, 10-inning defeat against the Pittsburgh Pirates. “My plate appearances were awful as well, in my opinion.”
Across his initial three games, Bichette has managed only one hit in fourteen attempts, alongside eight strikeouts – a surprising performance for a seasoned batter possessing exceptional contact abilities. During the previous season with the Toronto Blue Jays, Bichette’s strikeout percentage of 14.5% placed him in the 86th percentile throughout major league baseball. However, in the recent three-game series facing the Pirates, this figure exceeded 50%.
“It appears he’s receiving favorable pitches early in at-bats, only for opponents to then induce him to swing at less desirable ones, particularly high in the strike zone,” stated Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. “He’s inclined to swing. He steps up to the plate intending to hit the ball forcefully. He is a skilled batter.”
During the offseason, the 28-year-old Bichette inked a three-year agreement valued at $126 million, featuring a pair of opt-out provisions that essentially convert it into three individual one-year contracts, in addition to a $40 million signing bonus. Prior to this, he had never professionally manned third base, having spent seven seasons as the Blue Jays’ shortstop.
This past Sunday, he admitted that adapting to third base has, at times, demanded more cognitive effort than his previous defensive roles. Before Sunday’s game, he dedicated additional practice to fielding ground balls, following a throwing miscue in the fourth inning on Saturday—an error he blamed on hurrying his technique—yet he asserts he feels “quite comfortable” in his new role.
Bichette mentioned he simply hadn’t anticipated this shift would also impact his batting prowess.
“I believe I simply need to dedicate myself more fully, to be more invested in the routine,” Bichette stated. “I certainly notice myself trying to create a significant impact out there. Therefore, I just need to revert to my true self.”
Bichette indicated he had longed for such a pivotal moment ever since his signing in January, amidst the Mets’ extensive offseason roster changes. He conceded he hadn’t foreseen his eagerness to succeed quickly would influence his play.
“It’s still the beginning, yet there’s been little to celebrate regarding my accomplishments thus far,” Bichette commented. “While we can discuss the early stage, we will certainly resolve these issues.”
Late on Sunday, Bichette was presented with two opportunities to shine.
With the score deadlocked at 2, two outs recorded, and runners occupying second and third bases, the formidable left-handed pitcher Mason Montgomery was pitching for Pittsburgh. A base hit would have provided the Mets with the comfort required for a clean sweep to begin the season.
However, Bichette instead fanned on three pitches, swinging and missing a 100 mph fastball, thereby concluding the inning and introducing him to his initial experience of New York’s disapproval. Subsequently, in the tenth inning, following Francisco Lindor’s out at home plate while trying to score from first to equalize, Bichette advanced to the batter’s box with the potential tying run positioned at second base and one out. He then hit a ground ball to the shortstop for an out.
Shortly thereafter, the contest concluded, as did the Mets’ brief home series that commenced the season. The subsequent agenda: A six-game journey to St. Louis and San Francisco.
Could a road trip prove beneficial?
“Perhaps,” Bichette responded, “but I still need to learn how to perform well at the plate in this venue regardless.”