PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Bo Bichette’s first test at third base provided a bit of an eye opener.
The debutant — at the position and with the Mets — ranged to his right on a chopper near the third-base line. Bichette gloved the two-hopper near the corner of the diamond and unfurled a throw that wandered a little bit up the line.
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The ball swung out of the glove of Jose Rojas as the Mets first baseman was charged with an error.
“The throw could’ve been better, for sure,” Bichette said while discussing that play compared to the play in the hole for a shortstop. “I don’t know if it’s tougher. It’s different probably. I think shortstop might be further. I don’t know if I’m right on that or not.
“It’s a new challenge. I’m working on that play in practice, and I was really happy to get that play today.”
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets owner Steven A. Cohen addresses the media at spring training. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets owner Steven A. Cohen addresses the media at spring training. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets owner Steven A. Cohen addresses the media at spring training. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets center fielder Bo Bichette (19) talks to teammates during spring training. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets warm-up during spring training. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) during spring training at Clover park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette, left, talks to teammates during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets fans watch spring training in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) ties his shoe during spring training. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Gear bags full of baseballs await the players during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean (26) looks on during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty (7) poses with Chase Kaldawy a fan visiting from Connecticut during the spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty’s (7) gear sits near a fowl line during the spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets players run on the field during spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) speaks to outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) and infielder Ronny Mauricio (0) during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Francisco Lindor (12) speaks to bench coach Kai Correa (not pictured) during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) plays catch during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette (19) works during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette (center) speaks to infielder Marcus Semien (left) and third base coach Tim Leiper (right) during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) looks on during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) looks on from the field during spring trining at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos (27) fields ground balls during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette (19) works during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Christian Arroyo (21) fields a ground ball during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty (7) fields a ground ball during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) watches a bullpen session during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea (59) works during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga (34) works in the bullpen during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Devin Williams (38) works in the bullpen during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) bunts the ball during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) looks on before taking batting practice during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos (27) gets ready to bat during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) takes batting practice during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) speaks to managers Carlos Mendoza (right) and assistant general manager Eduardo Brizuela (left) during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets players take batting practice during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Mark Vientos (27) walks on the field with a bat during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Alex Carrillo (84) throws weighted wall ball drills during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Trey McGough (54) throws bullpen during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets bullpen coach José Rosado (67) watches bullpen pitching during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets catcher Luis Torrens (13) throws a ball during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Brian Metoyer(6) throws a pitch during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Fans watch a pitcher work in the bullpen during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher David Peterson (23) sits inside a dugout during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher David Peterson (23) walks inside a dugout during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher David Peterson (23) pitches during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Clay Holmes (35) throws a pitch during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Huascar Brazoban (43) pitches during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Clay Holmes (35) delivers a pitch during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) throws a pitch during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
Carlos Mendoza said he approached the play “perfectly,” creating a deeper angle and made a good throw.
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For Bichette, that play was the first hard-earned lesson as he transitions to his right after signing a three-year, $126 million deal to join the Mets this offseason. There figures to be plenty more of those for Bichette this spring, and he wants it that way.
“I think I noticed right away the viewpoint is different. I can’t really look at the hitter, I have to look at the contact point,” Bichette said. “There’s definitely a lot of stuff that I can learn in the game which I think will be the most important, but reps are also very important.”
In the Mets’ first Grapefruit League game against the Marlins, Bichette was only called to action one other time on a pop-up into foul territory. He also gloved another sharp ground ball behind third base but the ball was ruled foul.
In his new domain, every little nuance is important, from the timing to the angles to the positioning.
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“I’m experimenting. I think the deeper you play, the more range you have,” Bichette said. “It all depends too on the situation of the game, who’s hitting, all that kind of stuff. I think you see a lot of the great third baseman in our right now playing as deep as they can. I guess I’ll be figuring out what that means for me.”
New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette (19) throws to first base but cannot retire Miami Marlins third baseman Connor Norby (not pictured) during the fourth inning on Feb. 21, 2026, at Clover Park.
Bichette’s positioning will be dictated by the player at the plate and the situation and passed down from the dugout. Mendoza has been impressed by Bichette’s arm since he arrived in camp.
One of the plays that Mendoza is hoping that Bichette will face this spring is the slow chopper on the infield grass where a quick decision needs to be made. Bichette called it a “do-or-die” play.
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“As a shortstop, you get time to read the ball off the bat. There, you don’t have much time,” Mendoza said. “Just like the reaction, whether you’re going to get it or are you going to create some space and move back. Positioning is important, as well.”
For some players, the spring can drag. For others, like Bichette, who are learning a new position, the month and a half could be worth the time heading into the new season at a new position.
Saturday represented that first step.
“I love playing, so however many they’ll let me play,” Bichette said. “I’m learning the position, getting comfortable with the new team. Probably the more the better, but keep in mind, we got a long season coming. I’ll be ready to suit up whenever they let me get out there.”
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: What Bo Bichette had to say about his Mets debut at third base