Bo Bichette’s tenure with the New York Mets is only three games old, but the All-Star infielder has already received a quintessential Queens welcome. After a frustrating opening series that saw the marquee offseason acquisition struggle mightily at the plate, the Citi Field faithful made their displeasure heard with a chorus of boos during Sunday’s series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The high-profile infielder, who signed a massive three-year, $126 million contract in January, found himself at the center of the fans' frustration after a dismal performance. Through his first three games in a Mets uniform, Bo Bichette has struck out eight times in just 14 at-bats, including a pivotal moment in Sunday’s 4-3 extra-inning loss that finally broke the crowd's patience.
A "Terrible" Start in Flushing
The breaking point for the New York crowd came in the bottom of the seventh inning on Sunday. With the game tied 2-2 and runners on second and third, Bichette had a chance to be the hero and secure a series sweep. Instead, he was bested by a 100-mph fastball from Pirates reliever Mason Montgomery, walking back to the dugout as the stadium erupted in jeers. It was his third strikeout of the day and his eighth of the young season.
Bichette finished the game 0-for-5, leaving a total of 14 runners on base over the course of the three-game set. For a player who led the American League in hits in 2021 and 2022 and arrived with a career .294 batting average, the early-season slump is as surprising as it is statistically jarring. Currently, Bichette is hitting just .071 (1-for-14) with zero walks.
Accountability in the Face of Criticism
While many players might be taken aback by such a cold reception so early in their tenure, Bichette took the criticism in stride. Speaking to reporters after the game, he offered a blunt and honest assessment of his performance that resonated with the blue-and-orange faithful.
"If anything, I thought it took too long," Bichette said with a smirk when asked about the boos. "I get it. I thought my at-bats were terrible, too."
The 28-year-old infielder admitted that he might be "pressing" as he attempts to justify his massive contract and win over a new fan base. "I definitely felt that wanting to have a moment, not only for my teammates but for the fans and everything," he explained. "Sometimes in-between, sometimes trying to do too much. That’s pretty much what happens when you don’t feel good."
The Pressure of a $126 Million Contract
The expectations surrounding Bichette are immense, largely due to the context of the Mets' offseason. The front office, led by president of baseball operations David Stearns, drew the ire of many fans by allowing homegrown stars Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz to depart in free agency. Bichette was the centerpiece of the team's response, signed to provide elite bat-to-ball skills and a veteran presence in the lineup.
His contract, which carries a $42 million average annual value, ties him for the sixth-highest in baseball history. With that kind of investment comes a short leash from a fan base that is hungry for success after a transition-heavy winter. Bichette’s willingness to take accountability for his 1-for-14 start may help bridge the gap with fans, but ultimately, only production will silence the noise.
Transitioning to the Hot Corner
Adding to the complexity of Bichette’s start is his transition to a new position. After seven seasons as the primary shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays, Bichette agreed to move to third base to accommodate Francisco Lindor. While his defensive transition hasn't been the primary focus of the early-season criticism, the mental load of learning a new position while trying to find his rhythm at the plate in a high-pressure market cannot be overlooked.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza noted that Bichette appears to be missing good pitches early in counts, which has led to him chasing at the top of the zone later in plate appearances. Despite the strikeouts, the team remains confident in Bichette’s track record, especially considering he hit .333 during 16 spring training games just weeks ago.
Searching for a Rhythm on the Road
The Mets now head out on a seven-game road trip to St. Louis and San Francisco, a stretch that could provide Bichette with the change of scenery needed to reset his approach. While the infielder acknowledged that a road trip might help, he remained focused on the reality of playing in New York.
"Maybe [it'll help], but I gotta figure out how to hit here anyway," Bichette said. The Mets (2-1) will look to get their star third baseman back on track as they begin a three-game series against the Cardinals on Monday evening at Busch Stadium.
- Bo Bichette Season Stats: 1-for-14 (.071 BA), 8 K, 0 BB, 1 RBI
- Contract Status: 3 years, $126 million (signed Jan 2026)
- Next Game: Monday at St. Louis Cardinals
Sources & Original Reporting
