Bo Bichette's start with the New York Mets hasn't exactly been a dream debut, and he's the first to acknowledge it.
In Sunday’s 4-3 extra-inning loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bichette went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts. The frustration in the stands was palpable as he faced boos from the Citi Field faithful after a tough strikeout in the seventh inning, leaving two runners stranded.
Bichette, ever candid, wasn’t caught off guard by the reaction. "Honestly, I expected it sooner," he shared with reporters. "I know my at-bats were rough."
After signing a hefty three-year, $126-million contract in January, Bichette was expected to bring the same spark that made him a two-time AL hits leader with the Toronto Blue Jays. But so far, his Mets tenure has been rocky, with a 1-for-14 start, eight strikeouts, no walks, and just one RBI over three games. He’s also left 14 runners on base, a stat that surely weighs on him.
He reflected on his struggles, saying, "Sometimes you’re in between, sometimes you’re trying too hard. That’s what happens when you’re not in the zone."
At 28, Bichette is feeling the pressure to make a strong impression in his new city. "I didn’t expect to feel this way, but I wanted to have a big moment for my teammates and the fans," he admitted. "It’s something I need to manage better."
Despite his personal challenges, the Mets managed to win their opening series. As they head out on a seven-game road trip to St.
Louis and San Francisco, there’s hope that a change of scenery might help Bichette find his rhythm. The journey could be just what he needs to shake off the early-season jitters and start delivering the performances Mets fans have been eagerly anticipating.