Bo Bichette is already generating plenty of buzz in Queens, though the early returns on the New York Mets‘ high-profile acquisition have been a tale of two players. While his bat has yet to heat up, his defensive tools are already proving to be as advertised.
During Saturday’s contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bichette turned heads by uncorking an 86.3 mph throw across the diamond, matching his top speed from last season with the Blue Jays.
For a Mets infield looking for stability, the throw served as a loud reminder of the elite athleticism Bichette brings to the shortstop position.
The offensive struggle: A slow start in the Big Apple
Despite the defensive fireworks, Bichette is finding himself under the microscope of a demanding New York fanbase. The “whole panorama,” as some scouts call it, remains a work in progress. Through the first two games of the series, Bichette has struggled to find his rhythm alongside fellow star Francisco Lindor.
On Saturday, Bichette went 1-for-5 with a run scored. While it’s a small sample size, he’s currently sitting on just one hit through nine at-bats this season.
The early numbers are admittedly lean: a .077 batting average and a .148 OPS, fueled by five strikeouts. For a player expected to average north of a hit per game, the slow start is noticeable, though, in the context of a 162-game marathon, it is hardly time to panic.
Defense leading the way
While the offense has been quiet, Bichette’s work with the glove tells a different story. He has been flawless in the field thus far, sporting a 1.000 fielding percentage with zero errors through his first two starts as a Met.
The transition from the Rogers Centre to Citi Field often comes with a learning curve. Whether it’s adjusting to a new clubhouse or the pressure of the New York spotlight, Bichette is still finding his footing.
However, if that 86.3 mph arm is any indication, it’s only a matter of time before the rest of his game catches up. Once Bichette fully adapts to his new surroundings, expect him to start making waves in the National League East.
