Mets Skipper Has Early Revelation on Bo Bichette-3rd Base Experiment

What will Bichette's list of suitors look like next year?

Nov 1, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Bo Bichette (11) throws to first for an out against Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) in the eighth inning during game seven of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Bo Bichette was one of the toughest free agents to evaluate this season, because no one really knew what position he played.

For seven seasons, Bichette was the starting shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in hits and batting average, but his defense was never good, and by the end of this season, when he was returning from injury and playing second base in the World Series, it was evident that his future was at a different position.

Bichette signing with the New York Mets came out of nowhere, as most teams were looking at him as a potential second baseman, but he'll play third in New York. But the early returns on the third-base experiment are highly intriguing in how they relate to the potential free-agent market for next winter.

If you like our content, choose Sports Illustrated as a preferred source on Google.

Is Bichette going to be a true third baseman when he re-enters free agency?

Mar 11, 2025; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette (11) fields a ground ball in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins during spring training at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Carlos Mendoza told Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman on the New York Post's "The Show" podcast on Monday that he was thoroughly impressed when he saw Bichette recently working out at his new position.

“He’s an athlete,” Mendoza said. “We’re looking at a guy that has played shortstop pretty much his whole career. And just watching him today, moving around third base, taking ground balls, creating angles and then the throws to first base, I was telling him, ‘It looks like you played there before.’”

Bichette can opt out of two years and $84 million remaining on his deal at the end of the coming season, at which point he'll be entering his age-29 campaign. A true third baseman with the ability to hit .300 against any and all pitch types is a hot commodity, provided Bichette's defense doesn't detract from his value.

The most obvious connection to draw for next winter, apart from the Mets themselves, would be the Phillies once again. Philadelphia's starting third baseman, Alec Bohm, will head to free agency after years of the Phillies constantly being rumored to be searching for his replacement.

The Boston Red Sox seem poised to start rookie Marcelo Mayer at third base this season, so they're another team to watch. Ditto for the New York Yankees, who have two years of control over third baseman Ryan McMahon and one year of Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base.

More MLB: Tigers' Tarik Skubal Gets $280 Million Contract Projection